The second week was easier but only because we only did school for three days. We had a garage sale on Thursday through Saturday and although I had plans to have them at least do some worksheets or something on those days, it just didn't happen (surprise surprise). So that put us behind a couple days for the third week and that really stressed me out. I felt bad that we were already behind and it was only the 11th day of school! But I had some wise people (thanks Mom and Chris) tell me that you can't really get behind when you homeschool and that flexibility is one the great benefits of it! I know that is true but I think I was priding myself on the fact that I am always on schedule with school, and I was worried we would have to school into June (gasp!). Once I took 7 steps to the beach (our way of saying JUST RELAX!), I felt better and just went on with life. I decided to stop making my detailed lesson plans (yes, nixing the workboxes for a while) and not try to do so much in one week. I am also going to make the plans by the lesson we are on, not what week we are on. So if I only get three lessons done in a week for a certain subject, I will just start the next week with the fourth lesson and not try to do the previous weeks lessons PLUS the new week's lessons. Clear as mud? Okay, me too.
The third week of school brought the first day of classes at our homeschooling co-op. The kids were really excited and so was I. It was fun to see all our friends again after the summer (actually since April!). I was a little nervous as to how the day would go since I was helping out in a new class and wondered how Katelyn would do in her class by herself all morning. Well, everything went great! Katelyn didn't even ask for me to stay with her for a minute, she just went off with her class, full of confidence and excitement! I was surprised and proud. I was helping in Zach's first class so we got to be together for an hour and then he was off to his other two classes. On the way home, they both were talking non stop about all they did! I am so thankful God led us to this group. It's been really great for all of us.
As for our lessons at home, things went a little smoother than the other weeks. The kids were not complaining as much when it was time to do their work and we got alot done. Our week ended on a high note with Katelyn starting ballet lessons!! She has been wanting to take them for a year now and she was so excited to start! We went got a new leotard and tights for her and she looked adorable! She had a blast at her first class and I think this is something she will enjoy for a long time!
Last week, we finally started to get into a bit of a routine for our day. This is the basic schedule that seems to be working for us for now:7:00 Wake up, Breakfast
9:00ish- Morning chores using ChorePacks (seen in this post).
9:30- Group time- Devotions, Calendar, Music, Storytime, etc
10:00- Katelyn's lessons (boys watch movie or play- Luke, my 2yr old, has done much better with playing on his own and not interrupting us so this really helps)
11:00- Recess- thankfully, it was nice most of the week so we went outside alot. I hope to do this as long as possible before the snow flies, and maybe even then! (:
12:00- Lunch and free time
1:00/1:30- Luke's nap
2:00- Science and Bible for Z and K, then Zach's lessons with me while Katelyn watches a movie or plays. There's a snack in there somewhere too. (:
4:00- Luke awake (and hopefully Zach is done with his work)
5:00-8:00- Dinner, family time, bedtime- We've been putting the kids to bed earlier (8 instead of 8:30 or 9) and it is nice. Plus the boys and I had colds this week so the extra sleep helped alot!
So that is it! Right now I am still doing bare bones with the kids. We haven't done much science or art or extra stuff yet. I plan to add more "fun" stuff in this month. Right now though I just need to do what needs to be done and not wear myself out so early! The Lord is really helping me give up control of alot of things and let go of my perfectionist ways. It is hard, but seeing the benefits from doing so is motivating. I still have alot to learn about this homeschooling thing!
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Sounds good, Leslie! Sorry it started off rough, but it sounds like you are doing pretty well now. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI was just nodding my head along with yours school woes. I had to learn to make the same adjusts myself. I think sometime we (home school moms) are harder on ourselves than we need to be/deserve. What ages are your little people? I haven't entered the world of teach multiple kids yet. My second is only 19 months old right now.
ReplyDeleteI agree- we are too hard on ourselves! I think there is alot of pressure on homeschooling moms because it's like we have to prove to ourselves (and everyone else as well) that we can do it. For me, I feel the stigma of people thinking that homeschooled kids get an inferior education or social development, and feel like I have to "prove everyone wrong". I know it's mostly just in my own mind, but I think that's why I try to do too much. Anyway, my kids are 7, 5, and 2. (: So far, it hasn't been too bad teaching two kids at the same time. Thankfully, both kids are doing well and aside from the occasional "I don't want to work" complaining, it goes pretty smoothly! I think the biggest adjustment was keeping my 2 yr old occupied while we do school! How has the year been going for you so far?
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