I have 3 children. They are each different in personality, talents, abilities, and learning styles as most children are. My two oldest are driven and not always by me. My oldest, my son, has matured into seeing the goal and working toward it in a timely manner. It has been a joy to see this come to pass for him. My second child, my first daughter, is a very busy person. She thrives on busyness and accomplishments. She can be tiring, but I know that she is completing her school work. My youngest, my second daughter, does not resemble the other two in her schooling habits. She does want to do it on her own, but her output is not always great or even good for that matter.
So, I missed it. I wasn't paying as close attention to her, and her math slipped through my fingers. We use a fantastic math program that has an optional workbook/cd instruction, practice, and grading. I love it because I don't have to explain every math lesson or grade the math work. I don't recommend it for younger students who don't know all their facts because the practice is minimal. Of course, it could be used with additional practice too. Teaching Textbooks goes from Grade 3 to Pre-Calculus. They aren't paying me anything to promote them; everyone in our family had enjoyed. Until...
So my youngest had finished her math for the year. I did not check it right away or print out her scores. But I was letting a friend use the program so I told her to pull it up on the computer so I could print it out. Next thing I know, my drama queen has run crying into her room without explanation. I thought someone must have teased her or something. But no. She confesses that she has not done as well as she had been telling me on a daily basis.
So here you see my first slip. I had become so used to the fact that this wonderful program was teaching my daughter and grading her work, that I didn't check on her unless she asked for my help. She had reported to me that her scores were good, so I didn't check. I gave her opportunity to work the system and she did.
After I calmed her down, I went to the computer to see how bad her scores were. Well most of them weren't too bad. I did see a few low scores, but most of those I had knowledge of from the very beginning of our school year. Then I noticed. In the grade book section of the program, my eyes had focused on the grades initially. Now I see that it looks like not all the problems were done. It said number of problems 22. Then number attempted: 5. What? It wasn't that her scores were so bad, but she had not completed the work. She found a loophole in the program. If you start the program, answer some of them correctly and exit, you will get a grade for the lesson. If she did 5 and got 5 correct, it looked like she had a 100 %. But it was incomplete.
At first I was going to make her start it completely over. Then I was going to make her do a workbook instead of the computer. Instead she has to go into the grade book to see what she has not completed in her lessons, then go to the lesson and do it. So much for a summer break...for either of us. It doesn't take too long but it does have to be done.
I really wanted to avoid these types of pitfalls as a homeschooling mom because I had fallen into pitfalls like this as a student myself. I had the capability of being an excellent student, but I learned quickly how to work the system in the small private school I attended. I memorized and tested and forgot. I didn't learn much. Even in college, it was the same for the most part. I remember in my junior year of college thinking that I should really be learning this so I can use it in my career.
My daughter and I have had several heart to hearts over this matter. I am hoping that with God's grace and her perseverance that she will learn to love learning instead of getting by. We all learn it eventually, but I would sure rather it be sooner than later for her.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Advent Readings
December 1 Genesis 3:1-20 Seed of Eve
December 2 Genesis 22:1-8 Only Beloved Son & Sacrifice
December 3 Genesis 48:15-16; 49:8-10 Lion of Judah
December 4 Numbers 23:18-24; 24:3-9, 15-19 Star of Jacob
December 5 Deuteronomy 18:14-22 Prophet like Moses
December 6 2 Samuel 7:1-17 Son of David
December 7 Psalm 2 Messiah: Son of God and King
December 8 Psalm 16 & Job 19:23-27 Holy One and Resurrected Redeemer
December 9 Psalm 22 The One Forsaken by God
December 10 Psalm 72 Royal Son, Deliverer of the Afflicted
December 11 Psalm 110 Priest and Lord and God's Right Hand
December 12 Isaiah 7:14 & 9:1-17 Emmanuel, Mighty God & Prince of Peace
December 13 Isaiah 11:1-10 Branch from Jesse's Roots
December 14 Isaiah 42:1-10 Covenant & Light of the Nations
December 15 Isaiah 49:1-7; 50:4-11 Servant of Kings, Sustainer of the Weary
December 16 Isaiah 52: 13 - 53:12 Suffering Servant and Lamb of God
December 17 Jeremiah 23:1-6; 33:14-18 Righteous Branch
December 18 Ezekiel 34:1-31 The Good Shepherd
December 19 Daniel 7:9-14; Micah 5:2-5a Son of Man & Ruler from Bethlehem
December 20 Zechariah 9:9-10; 12:10-13:1 King on a Donkey & Pierced Firstborn
December 21 Malachi 3:1-4; 4:1-6 Covenant Messenger & Son of Righteousness
December 22 Luke 1:5-38 Son of the Most High
December 23 Luke 1:39-80 The Tender Mercy of God
December 24 Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-14 Savior from Sin & Word Made Flesh
December 25 Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 2:1-12 The Birth of Jesus
Copied from: alltogetherchanin.blogspot.com
This is a different type of advent than we've done in the past. I like the references throughout the Scriptures to show more of who Jesus is prior to His Birth in Bethlehem. I encourage you to take time to read through these with your family. It may be an daily family devotion or done individually.
December 2 Genesis 22:1-8 Only Beloved Son & Sacrifice
December 3 Genesis 48:15-16; 49:8-10 Lion of Judah
December 4 Numbers 23:18-24; 24:3-9, 15-19 Star of Jacob
December 5 Deuteronomy 18:14-22 Prophet like Moses
December 6 2 Samuel 7:1-17 Son of David
December 7 Psalm 2 Messiah: Son of God and King
December 8 Psalm 16 & Job 19:23-27 Holy One and Resurrected Redeemer
December 9 Psalm 22 The One Forsaken by God
December 10 Psalm 72 Royal Son, Deliverer of the Afflicted
December 11 Psalm 110 Priest and Lord and God's Right Hand
December 12 Isaiah 7:14 & 9:1-17 Emmanuel, Mighty God & Prince of Peace
December 13 Isaiah 11:1-10 Branch from Jesse's Roots
December 14 Isaiah 42:1-10 Covenant & Light of the Nations
December 15 Isaiah 49:1-7; 50:4-11 Servant of Kings, Sustainer of the Weary
December 16 Isaiah 52: 13 - 53:12 Suffering Servant and Lamb of God
December 17 Jeremiah 23:1-6; 33:14-18 Righteous Branch
December 18 Ezekiel 34:1-31 The Good Shepherd
December 19 Daniel 7:9-14; Micah 5:2-5a Son of Man & Ruler from Bethlehem
December 20 Zechariah 9:9-10; 12:10-13:1 King on a Donkey & Pierced Firstborn
December 21 Malachi 3:1-4; 4:1-6 Covenant Messenger & Son of Righteousness
December 22 Luke 1:5-38 Son of the Most High
December 23 Luke 1:39-80 The Tender Mercy of God
December 24 Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-14 Savior from Sin & Word Made Flesh
December 25 Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 2:1-12 The Birth of Jesus
Copied from: alltogetherchanin.blogspot.com
This is a different type of advent than we've done in the past. I like the references throughout the Scriptures to show more of who Jesus is prior to His Birth in Bethlehem. I encourage you to take time to read through these with your family. It may be an daily family devotion or done individually.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Planning your day, week, year, life...(ugh)
A new homeschooling parent recently asked me, "How do you plan?" Interesting question for a person who enjoys having a plan but refuses to have a lesson plan book. I gave up lesson planning years ago. As a teacher in a public school, we had to turn in our lesson plan books bi-weekly to have them checked with objectives, activities, and standards that were to be met. So I stopped doing that when I stopped teaching in the classroom. But I do have a plan: to complete our school plan.
I like to make a plan of what to use each school year. Last year, I planned to intertwine our English and history to some degree. I wanted to teach government to my middle school aged children and introduce it to my 4th grader. I could find government for younger children and high school, but not much for middle school level. So I ended up piecing together my own which worked fine. I also wanted to study literature that had man vs. society conflicts. So I chose several novels that we would study in our class. I chose our math curriculum, science, and spelling. Then I look at the materials to see if all of these would be completed during the school year. Everything looked promising.
Then on the first day of our "schooling" for the school year, after my children have ooohed an aaaahhed over their new books and school supplies, we sit down to discuss our goals for the year. Each child looks through their materials to see how many chapters, or pages, or modules, or sections it has. They write a plan for themselves. For example: By Christmas I want to be half way through this science book. Besides writing plans about their actual work, we also write goals for our family and spiritual goals too. I really like goal-setting because you can always come back to it to see how you are doing. Goals aren't written in stone; they can be adjusted is needed.
Then we get down to the day-to-day plan. This varies by day! Mondays I teach a class in our home. Tuesdays we spend out of the home: car schooling! Wednesdays, I go to Bible study for an hour. Thursdays are for field trips but we don't do that every week. I like Fridays to be wrap-it-up days but that doesn't always happen. Since we've started school this year, we have only one computer in the house. All my kids take math on the computer; two of them are taking Spanish online; plus we have all our other "computer" things that need/want to be done. We are flexible. When we have a full day at home, I expect that we will cover something in each subject except art (which is often hit or miss). When we are not, we figure out what is most important to be covered that day.
When my children were younger, I did not feel the need to finish any books in order to call it a school year. If they had made progress and learned sufficiently, I would decide when we were done for the year. As my students have gotten older and started working on high school credits, I see more of a need to complete more material in its entirety to call it a credit. I am creating our own transcripts and need to be sure that subjects are covered so that we are meeting the criteria of the colleges they will want to attend in the future.
This year, I bought a sticky-poster that resembles a huge ledger pad; you can use dry-erase markers on it. I stuck it to the side of my refrigerator. Each school day, I plan to write items that my students need to accomplish. This is helping me to stay organized and them to be responsible in getting their work done. They copy what they need to do into their individual blank calendars and check it off as it is accomplished. (This keeps up with our state's requirement of keeping a dated record of educational activities too.)
I have found that using a curriculum with a built in lesson plan can be helpful. I just don't like it when they are binding. I don't want to be trapped into a lesson plan. If we need to take a day or two off from school or from a subject, I want to be at ease to do so.
My advice though is to plan in a way that makes you and your family's home education flow for you. Do make some kind of plan or goal. You will be happier in the end when you see what you have accomplished.
I like to make a plan of what to use each school year. Last year, I planned to intertwine our English and history to some degree. I wanted to teach government to my middle school aged children and introduce it to my 4th grader. I could find government for younger children and high school, but not much for middle school level. So I ended up piecing together my own which worked fine. I also wanted to study literature that had man vs. society conflicts. So I chose several novels that we would study in our class. I chose our math curriculum, science, and spelling. Then I look at the materials to see if all of these would be completed during the school year. Everything looked promising.
Then on the first day of our "schooling" for the school year, after my children have ooohed an aaaahhed over their new books and school supplies, we sit down to discuss our goals for the year. Each child looks through their materials to see how many chapters, or pages, or modules, or sections it has. They write a plan for themselves. For example: By Christmas I want to be half way through this science book. Besides writing plans about their actual work, we also write goals for our family and spiritual goals too. I really like goal-setting because you can always come back to it to see how you are doing. Goals aren't written in stone; they can be adjusted is needed.
Then we get down to the day-to-day plan. This varies by day! Mondays I teach a class in our home. Tuesdays we spend out of the home: car schooling! Wednesdays, I go to Bible study for an hour. Thursdays are for field trips but we don't do that every week. I like Fridays to be wrap-it-up days but that doesn't always happen. Since we've started school this year, we have only one computer in the house. All my kids take math on the computer; two of them are taking Spanish online; plus we have all our other "computer" things that need/want to be done. We are flexible. When we have a full day at home, I expect that we will cover something in each subject except art (which is often hit or miss). When we are not, we figure out what is most important to be covered that day.
When my children were younger, I did not feel the need to finish any books in order to call it a school year. If they had made progress and learned sufficiently, I would decide when we were done for the year. As my students have gotten older and started working on high school credits, I see more of a need to complete more material in its entirety to call it a credit. I am creating our own transcripts and need to be sure that subjects are covered so that we are meeting the criteria of the colleges they will want to attend in the future.
This year, I bought a sticky-poster that resembles a huge ledger pad; you can use dry-erase markers on it. I stuck it to the side of my refrigerator. Each school day, I plan to write items that my students need to accomplish. This is helping me to stay organized and them to be responsible in getting their work done. They copy what they need to do into their individual blank calendars and check it off as it is accomplished. (This keeps up with our state's requirement of keeping a dated record of educational activities too.)
I have found that using a curriculum with a built in lesson plan can be helpful. I just don't like it when they are binding. I don't want to be trapped into a lesson plan. If we need to take a day or two off from school or from a subject, I want to be at ease to do so.
My advice though is to plan in a way that makes you and your family's home education flow for you. Do make some kind of plan or goal. You will be happier in the end when you see what you have accomplished.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Combining Subjects and Projects
In public schools, team teaching is an effective tool. It is usually two or more teachers with different subject strengths working together within classrooms of students teaching material with themes or like concepts. In home education, using this approach becomes very beneficial in time and effort. It's not that you need to get other teachers working with you, but use your subject matter to teach in various areas of study. Many times unit studies are used.
For example, young students may study an area of science that they like. Reading materials are chosen to coincide with the science. If the material has a historical component, that is also studied. You can even add in some math problems that use the material. Parents can purchase unit studies or create their own. A unit study can revolve around almost anything: science, history, literature, sports, music, art, etc. Curricula developers see the benefit for both the students and teachers in creating materials that can be multi-faceted as well as multi-level. Parents also use lapbooks to organize and have a hands-on element to a unit study.
We have used My Father's World in the past and are using it again this year. It is our plan to use it for all four years of high school too. MFW provides a wonderful selection of reading materials and resources. The younger grades cover history, literature, science, Bible, and art. Parents add in a math and English grammar. The high school level covers history, literature, grammar, writing, and Bible. They recommend Apologia sciences; you also have to add mathematics. The program comes with lesson plans that are easy to use and easy to manipulate as you see fit. We find that we can double up days as we need to also which gives us the flexibility we need. This year I have 2 students using the high school level and one using the younger level; they are both doing the same "time" study of ancient history. I am hopeful that it will run smoothly. The high school level is set up for the students to work individually with a weekly check by the parent. I like to do some of subjects together and since I only have one in the younger level, it seems doable.
As an English major, I also teach a class to homeschooled students. I am using the English literature supplement as my guide in teaching. We won't cover all of the material in MFW with the class, but I am impressed with the literature supplement. I thought I would be adding a different grammar into our studies. But upon viewing the guide, I do not see that an addition will be necessary which means more ease for me as an instructor. The class meets once a week, on Mondays, for an hour and fifteen minutes. I give instruction and we have class time as well as short presentations done by the students. It is enjoyable for me to teach as well as a help to some parents.
My children are also involved in a 4H club and the Youth Fair in our county. We don't do much with animals as we don't have property to do so. But my children enter items in the Consumer and Family Science division each year. My youngest is studying Astronomy through an Apologia study this year. (We started it last year and are finishing it up this year.) To make sure she has a good understanding of what she is studying, I asked her to make a book with a page for each planet and the sun and moon from the chapters in our book. As we are talking about it, she asks if she can use this as her children's book for Youth Fair. A fabulous idea indeed! I went through my stash of large construction paper. She is going to scrapbook pictures and typed info written for a young child. We will get it laminated and simply bind it. Now she has a review for Astronomy and a project to turn into the Childcare Development area of the Youth Fair! I love it when we can take our school, our extra projects, and our fun to make our homeschooling stretch.
One more example with the Youth Fair, my older daughter is fairly proficient in the kitchen. I belong to a produce co-op, and we had a lot of bananas--too many for us to eat. We usually make banana bread or muffins, but I'm trying to watch my carbs. So I looked up a recipe for banana butter. She made it and canned it. Now we have yummy banana butter, another Youth Fair project, and gifts for some friends later on. Yay!
For example, young students may study an area of science that they like. Reading materials are chosen to coincide with the science. If the material has a historical component, that is also studied. You can even add in some math problems that use the material. Parents can purchase unit studies or create their own. A unit study can revolve around almost anything: science, history, literature, sports, music, art, etc. Curricula developers see the benefit for both the students and teachers in creating materials that can be multi-faceted as well as multi-level. Parents also use lapbooks to organize and have a hands-on element to a unit study.
We have used My Father's World in the past and are using it again this year. It is our plan to use it for all four years of high school too. MFW provides a wonderful selection of reading materials and resources. The younger grades cover history, literature, science, Bible, and art. Parents add in a math and English grammar. The high school level covers history, literature, grammar, writing, and Bible. They recommend Apologia sciences; you also have to add mathematics. The program comes with lesson plans that are easy to use and easy to manipulate as you see fit. We find that we can double up days as we need to also which gives us the flexibility we need. This year I have 2 students using the high school level and one using the younger level; they are both doing the same "time" study of ancient history. I am hopeful that it will run smoothly. The high school level is set up for the students to work individually with a weekly check by the parent. I like to do some of subjects together and since I only have one in the younger level, it seems doable.
As an English major, I also teach a class to homeschooled students. I am using the English literature supplement as my guide in teaching. We won't cover all of the material in MFW with the class, but I am impressed with the literature supplement. I thought I would be adding a different grammar into our studies. But upon viewing the guide, I do not see that an addition will be necessary which means more ease for me as an instructor. The class meets once a week, on Mondays, for an hour and fifteen minutes. I give instruction and we have class time as well as short presentations done by the students. It is enjoyable for me to teach as well as a help to some parents.
My children are also involved in a 4H club and the Youth Fair in our county. We don't do much with animals as we don't have property to do so. But my children enter items in the Consumer and Family Science division each year. My youngest is studying Astronomy through an Apologia study this year. (We started it last year and are finishing it up this year.) To make sure she has a good understanding of what she is studying, I asked her to make a book with a page for each planet and the sun and moon from the chapters in our book. As we are talking about it, she asks if she can use this as her children's book for Youth Fair. A fabulous idea indeed! I went through my stash of large construction paper. She is going to scrapbook pictures and typed info written for a young child. We will get it laminated and simply bind it. Now she has a review for Astronomy and a project to turn into the Childcare Development area of the Youth Fair! I love it when we can take our school, our extra projects, and our fun to make our homeschooling stretch.
One more example with the Youth Fair, my older daughter is fairly proficient in the kitchen. I belong to a produce co-op, and we had a lot of bananas--too many for us to eat. We usually make banana bread or muffins, but I'm trying to watch my carbs. So I looked up a recipe for banana butter. She made it and canned it. Now we have yummy banana butter, another Youth Fair project, and gifts for some friends later on. Yay!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Choosing Curriculum
When I meet people who are new to homeschooling, I usually get one of two questions. What do I have to do to homeschool? What curriculum should I use?
Laws are different depending on the state you live in. Please read and understand the laws that you must abide by. Floridians go to www.fpea.com It is a great help. I recommend that you become a member of this group.
But the big question, "What curriculum should I use" does not have an easy answer. I can tell you what I am using this year. I can tell you what I've used in years past. Choosing a curriculum isn't difficult, but research, visiting other homeschooling families, and going to conventions or used curriculum sales are great things to do.
1. The first thing in choosing a curriculum is to know your goals for your educating your children at home. This does vary greatly. Some educate at home for religious reasons. Some are unhappy with the learning process in the schools. Some are not happy with the boredom that schools can produce. Some are concerned for safety.
Personally, I mainly want to teach my children to know how to learn and to enjoy learning. I have stuck with some things for all of my children. There are also things that I have changed each year. I am an eclectic curriculum user who re-evaluates yearly (or mid-year if something is not working).
2. What does your budget look like? The arena of home education is vast and growing. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars, but you don't have to do this. Reading or literature can be done through public libraries. Math workbooks are not expensive--but teacher's manuals may be. See if you can buy them used. Spelling and phonics workbooks should not be a large expense. Depending on how you want to approach history and science, the library can again be your best friend. Our public library has an online catalog for the county. I can search for books and have them sent to my local library for pick-up or have them mailed to me free of charge. Just watch your due dates, late fees can sneak up on you.
You can also use free printables from the internet or join sites that have a membership fee for using the materials. (I do caution anyone from using the internet as a full-time teacher; most children do not thrive in front of a screen for all subjects.)
3. What can you combine in your family? We have done history and science together for years with our three children. The older children may have a bit more required of them than the youngest. Even if your younger children may not be able to sit and listen for the entire lesson that is okay. You can give them coloring pages or maps that correspond to your study while you are doing it. Lapbooking and journaling are also great ways to work together.
4. You can research so many things online today, that it really helps you to know what a product is like. You can buy new or used. I use homeschoolclassifieds.com to purchase and sell. There are other sites as well.
5. Don't forget you can leave your house to educate too. I hear from some veteran home educators that there was a time when they would not leave the house during public school hours due to the social implications. Today, most people know that home schooling exists. Go on nature walks and field trips. Involve yourself in out of the home classes. Meet other home educators and form a co-operative learning environment.
Here are some that I've either used or seen and liked.
Math English History Science
ABEKA First Language Lessons Story of the World Apologia
Teaching Textbooks Rod and Staff My Father's World Exploring God's
Saxon Total Language Plus Mystery of History Creation
Math U See Jr. Analytical Grammar Notgrass hands-on
Singapore
Laws are different depending on the state you live in. Please read and understand the laws that you must abide by. Floridians go to www.fpea.com It is a great help. I recommend that you become a member of this group.
But the big question, "What curriculum should I use" does not have an easy answer. I can tell you what I am using this year. I can tell you what I've used in years past. Choosing a curriculum isn't difficult, but research, visiting other homeschooling families, and going to conventions or used curriculum sales are great things to do.
1. The first thing in choosing a curriculum is to know your goals for your educating your children at home. This does vary greatly. Some educate at home for religious reasons. Some are unhappy with the learning process in the schools. Some are not happy with the boredom that schools can produce. Some are concerned for safety.
Personally, I mainly want to teach my children to know how to learn and to enjoy learning. I have stuck with some things for all of my children. There are also things that I have changed each year. I am an eclectic curriculum user who re-evaluates yearly (or mid-year if something is not working).
2. What does your budget look like? The arena of home education is vast and growing. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars, but you don't have to do this. Reading or literature can be done through public libraries. Math workbooks are not expensive--but teacher's manuals may be. See if you can buy them used. Spelling and phonics workbooks should not be a large expense. Depending on how you want to approach history and science, the library can again be your best friend. Our public library has an online catalog for the county. I can search for books and have them sent to my local library for pick-up or have them mailed to me free of charge. Just watch your due dates, late fees can sneak up on you.
You can also use free printables from the internet or join sites that have a membership fee for using the materials. (I do caution anyone from using the internet as a full-time teacher; most children do not thrive in front of a screen for all subjects.)
3. What can you combine in your family? We have done history and science together for years with our three children. The older children may have a bit more required of them than the youngest. Even if your younger children may not be able to sit and listen for the entire lesson that is okay. You can give them coloring pages or maps that correspond to your study while you are doing it. Lapbooking and journaling are also great ways to work together.
4. You can research so many things online today, that it really helps you to know what a product is like. You can buy new or used. I use homeschoolclassifieds.com to purchase and sell. There are other sites as well.
5. Don't forget you can leave your house to educate too. I hear from some veteran home educators that there was a time when they would not leave the house during public school hours due to the social implications. Today, most people know that home schooling exists. Go on nature walks and field trips. Involve yourself in out of the home classes. Meet other home educators and form a co-operative learning environment.
Here are some that I've either used or seen and liked.
Math English History Science
ABEKA First Language Lessons Story of the World Apologia
Teaching Textbooks Rod and Staff My Father's World Exploring God's
Saxon Total Language Plus Mystery of History Creation
Math U See Jr. Analytical Grammar Notgrass hands-on
Singapore
Literature Clubs
She starts with all the students sitting at a large table in the conference room of the local library. They have their time for discussion of the book. Of course, with children, you never know exactly where the discussion will lead. Then, the students made different puppets for a shadow puppet show. The boys grouped for one show, and the girls for the other show. They had a wonderful time. Several parents also bring healthy snacks and drinks to share during the discussion and activity.
Since our library is along a lake with swans, we all went out to feed the swans afterwards. It was a fun day. Thanks to Heather for all she did with our students this year. Thursday, September 6, 2012
Losing the Joy...and We've Just Started
Yes, here is my confession. I am struggling to hold on to my joy as we homeschool. We just started our new school year. Everything has been in place. I am excited about the new things we have planned. I've let go of several leadership responsibilities this year and will have more time for all the fun stuff....
But we are more than three weeks into our year and my joy is missing. Help!
If you've educated at home, I am sure you know what I am experiencing. It happens in life just as it does in home education. I am still moving forward in all of our plans. I am watching to see what adjustments if any need to be made. I see that I have been maybe too relaxed in my approach of our days which may be leading to my frustration that is trying to steal my joy. My older two are in middle school and involved in online education within our public school system. They are both doing well. My youngest is struggling which reminds me that I've seen this before with my son. It isn't exactly the same, but those fourth grade blues are trying to overtake my baby girl. Hmmmm...
When you find yourself in a place of frustration and no joy in your journey, don't immediately throw in the towel. Take a few steps to restore your joy and rid yourself of frustrations.
1. Stop. Sit back. Evaluate.
If you need to take time off from school, even if you just started, go ahead and take the time. Think about what is causing you frustration. Is it the curriculum? Is it the time frame? Is it something more personal: lack of sleep, missing your goals, spiritual unrest?
2. What can you do?
Depending on your children's ages and your own financial status will structure how you do this. Some people will automatically know that the curriculum they are using is not working. Easy fix. Get rid of it and use something else. (I'll have to blog about choosing curriculum.) Maybe it is the curriculum, but you can't get rid of it. You can adjust how you are using it. You don't have to do everything that a curriculum guide tells you to do. Choose what will work for you and your family. But maybe it isn't the curriculum. Maybe it is your time schedule. Maybe it is the "classroom set-up" that is causing problems for you. Maybe it's you. Yes, sometimes even the parent needs adjusting. Rethink your goals and pray about what is best for your family.
3. Talk about it.
My husband pretty much leaves all homeschooling decisions to me. Every once in a while, he will say something. (I make sure I listen since those occasions are so few.) But talk to your husband whether he is involved or not. He doesn't have to have any answers. He just needs to listen. Talk to your children about what you see that isn't working. Ask if they have suggestions on how the goals you have set can be accomplished. Talk to another homeschooling mom. Locate this person carefully. You want to ask someone who may have the answer; someone with a gentle spirit who can listen to what you need to say.
4. Restore your joy!
Our joy is not really stolen by things that are going wrong in our home education programs. Our joy is stolen because we are focusing on the wrong thing. My joy comes from the Lord. So, in the end, I give all that has gone on and all that will go on, to Him. He will restore my joy and my confidence, that yes, I can do this. I can homeschool with a smile on my face. I can laugh when things go awry. I can have a redo by his grace. In doing these things, I will teach my children to hold on to their own joy!
I hope you will find and keep the joy as you journey through homeschooling and through life!
But we are more than three weeks into our year and my joy is missing. Help!
If you've educated at home, I am sure you know what I am experiencing. It happens in life just as it does in home education. I am still moving forward in all of our plans. I am watching to see what adjustments if any need to be made. I see that I have been maybe too relaxed in my approach of our days which may be leading to my frustration that is trying to steal my joy. My older two are in middle school and involved in online education within our public school system. They are both doing well. My youngest is struggling which reminds me that I've seen this before with my son. It isn't exactly the same, but those fourth grade blues are trying to overtake my baby girl. Hmmmm...
When you find yourself in a place of frustration and no joy in your journey, don't immediately throw in the towel. Take a few steps to restore your joy and rid yourself of frustrations.
1. Stop. Sit back. Evaluate.
If you need to take time off from school, even if you just started, go ahead and take the time. Think about what is causing you frustration. Is it the curriculum? Is it the time frame? Is it something more personal: lack of sleep, missing your goals, spiritual unrest?
2. What can you do?
Depending on your children's ages and your own financial status will structure how you do this. Some people will automatically know that the curriculum they are using is not working. Easy fix. Get rid of it and use something else. (I'll have to blog about choosing curriculum.) Maybe it is the curriculum, but you can't get rid of it. You can adjust how you are using it. You don't have to do everything that a curriculum guide tells you to do. Choose what will work for you and your family. But maybe it isn't the curriculum. Maybe it is your time schedule. Maybe it is the "classroom set-up" that is causing problems for you. Maybe it's you. Yes, sometimes even the parent needs adjusting. Rethink your goals and pray about what is best for your family.
3. Talk about it.
My husband pretty much leaves all homeschooling decisions to me. Every once in a while, he will say something. (I make sure I listen since those occasions are so few.) But talk to your husband whether he is involved or not. He doesn't have to have any answers. He just needs to listen. Talk to your children about what you see that isn't working. Ask if they have suggestions on how the goals you have set can be accomplished. Talk to another homeschooling mom. Locate this person carefully. You want to ask someone who may have the answer; someone with a gentle spirit who can listen to what you need to say.
4. Restore your joy!
Our joy is not really stolen by things that are going wrong in our home education programs. Our joy is stolen because we are focusing on the wrong thing. My joy comes from the Lord. So, in the end, I give all that has gone on and all that will go on, to Him. He will restore my joy and my confidence, that yes, I can do this. I can homeschool with a smile on my face. I can laugh when things go awry. I can have a redo by his grace. In doing these things, I will teach my children to hold on to their own joy!
I hope you will find and keep the joy as you journey through homeschooling and through life!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)