Monday August 30th is back to school day for children in Nevada. The kids in my home spent the morning singing silly songs and teaching the baby how to bob his head to the beat of "I wanna hippopotamus for Christmas" while I tried to vacuum around them...
The baby was opposed to listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving (he gets that from his mother) and wanted to explore some place else. But he was quickly wrestled down... The big kids made him sit still because bad behavior in our school can get you in big trouble.
After several short lessons in math, spelling and reading it was time for recess. And because it was Simon's first official day in school, he was a little too shy to ask the popular kids if he could play.
I held his hand (and the rest of his body) and helped him join his brothers on the trampoline. They gladly welcomed him into their cool club and he didn't feel so alone anymore.
Homeschooling isn't for everyone. Sometimes I wonder if it's for me and my kids. Last night we all received Priesthood blessings to start out the school year and I felt the peaceful reassurance that it IS the right thing for our family. Ben and Luke are starting 4th grade together and Zack begins Kindergarten curriculum. Simon will soon learn that
this is what we do in our family. We sing songs. We add numbers together every so often. We read great books and talk about them. We eat and play and laugh. We make big messes and we clean them up together. It's a lot of work... but I believe, deep down inside this crazy head of mine, that it's worth it.
not this cute anymore!
The baby was opposed to listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving (he gets that from his mother) and wanted to explore some place else. But he was quickly wrestled down... The big kids made him sit still because bad behavior in our school can get you in big trouble.
After several short lessons in math, spelling and reading it was time for recess. And because it was Simon's first official day in school, he was a little too shy to ask the popular kids if he could play.
I held his hand (and the rest of his body) and helped him join his brothers on the trampoline. They gladly welcomed him into their cool club and he didn't feel so alone anymore.
Homeschooling isn't for everyone. Sometimes I wonder if it's for me and my kids. Last night we all received Priesthood blessings to start out the school year and I felt the peaceful reassurance that it IS the right thing for our family. Ben and Luke are starting 4th grade together and Zack begins Kindergarten curriculum. Simon will soon learn that this is what we do in our family. We sing songs. We add numbers together every so often. We read great books and talk about them. We eat and play and laugh. We make big messes and we clean them up together. It's a lot of work... but I believe, deep down inside this crazy head of mine, that it's worth it.
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5 comments:
I am thinking I might try homeschooling my oldest. Regular school just isn't working for him. Can you tell me some tips and some sites that you do with your kids to come up with ideas for every day school.
Eventually, I am sure I will be taking all my kids out of public school and putting them in homeschooling, but I think I need to discipline myself first before I try all my kids.
Any advice or other things I would appreciate.
My email address is akashanpoo@msn.com Thanks
Shannon Ipson
It can be very overwhelming, especially when pulling them out of a strict routine. My advice would be to start where he's interested. What does he talk about ALL DAY LONG? If it's Dinosaurs, do a big unit on everything you can learn about them... do your reading, math, spelling, writing all around subjects he loves. Keep it simple and make it fun. I have a full curriculum for my older boys, but most of it I change because it's not interesting. My 4 year old does EVERYTHING at the art table. He paints his math problems, etc. Anyway, you know him best. If you read something and know he will roll his eyes at it, find something you know he will enjoy. Lots can be learned while making dinner together, cleaning his room, going on a walk. and try not to stress too much.
Also-- find other homeschoolers in your area. There are lots of them, I am sure and not all of them are weirdos.
Oh boy, I miss you guys. I wish I could be homeschooled at your house too! Simon is bigger already! I love you guys and I miss you a ton!
You're my hero Janet. Trust me, when Hazel is old enough, I'll be coming to you for some expertise on homeschooling. Simon is precious. He's so big!
After reading this post, I've had the song stuck in my head for the loongest time! Simon is oh so adorable and Ben, Luke, and Zack are all so great with him!
Happy, Peaceful September!
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