I think it is especially beneficial to any homeschool mom to take the first week of Christmas break and simply refuse to think about school. The first semester is over! Semester exams for the high schoolers are graded and in the books, the youngers kids are done with their projects... it's time for a breather.
It is tempting to view a holiday as a time to "catch up" on all the things that have fallen by the wayside, but that is dangerous. Dangerous because it takes your mind off the beauty of the season. The Incarnation of Christ is the most immense, amazing, gorgeous event in all of history. Let's just take a week to dwell on that. Meditate and ponder. Discuss with your kids and use your imagination. Let it sink in.
Then, sleep late. Have a cup of hot cocoa on the couch at ten in the morning. Take the kids to the park. Star gaze until midnight and count the falling stars. Sit in the dark living room and stare at the lit Christmas tree with your youngest. It's ok. Their eduction will not suffer because you took a week off.
Your mind will empty, your heart will calm and your priorities will scoot back into line.
After a week, go back to the goals you listed before the school year started. Assess, re-evaluate, tweak. Decide what is working and what isn't. Look for blind spots. (once, I started a great elective and somehow forgot it by Christmas. yowza.) Then rewrite your goals for the rest of the year.
The week off will help you so much more than powering through and pushing yourself to catch up. With the added benefit of being emotionally present for your family...
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
The Hobbit
My three oldest kids and I recently read The Hobbit. Not together, per se, but at the same time. They had to read certain chapters at a time and answer questions, explore the text and compare it to other works of literature.
They created their own riddles, explored fables and myths, and even learned the six characteristics of a quest story. We had a really good time together and with our reading group.
Tonight is the big night. The Hobbit opens tonight at 12:01 am. I've taken the two olders to midnight shows before, but this is Gracie's first one. She is super excited. My sister and nephew are coming, as well as some of our homeschool friends. It should be quite the festive event.
Tonight is one big reason that I love homeschooling. We can dedicate time to a subject and then follow it up with something fun. One thing I've found to be true and have seen proven over and over is that a fun excursion means so much more to my kids when we've studied it ahead of time. This was true when we went to the Space Center and when we snorkled over a coral reef. It was evident when we saw Big Ben and when we walked on a Roman Wall. Tonight it will be fun to watch them watch a movie based on a book we just studied. I can't wait!
I feel very blessed that God has given me the grace to enjoy where he has placed me. It's not so much homeschooling as it is just deliberately enjoying my life. And you don't have to homeschool to do that.
They created their own riddles, explored fables and myths, and even learned the six characteristics of a quest story. We had a really good time together and with our reading group.
Tonight is the big night. The Hobbit opens tonight at 12:01 am. I've taken the two olders to midnight shows before, but this is Gracie's first one. She is super excited. My sister and nephew are coming, as well as some of our homeschool friends. It should be quite the festive event.
Tonight is one big reason that I love homeschooling. We can dedicate time to a subject and then follow it up with something fun. One thing I've found to be true and have seen proven over and over is that a fun excursion means so much more to my kids when we've studied it ahead of time. This was true when we went to the Space Center and when we snorkled over a coral reef. It was evident when we saw Big Ben and when we walked on a Roman Wall. Tonight it will be fun to watch them watch a movie based on a book we just studied. I can't wait!
I feel very blessed that God has given me the grace to enjoy where he has placed me. It's not so much homeschooling as it is just deliberately enjoying my life. And you don't have to homeschool to do that.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Vacations
A quick word about vacations.
Never let it be said in your home that we take a vacation from learning. Every day is a chance to learn something. Tests are not the point, neither are grades. It glorifies God for us to learn. Vacations are breaks from responsibilities, but not learning.
We leave tomorrow, on the one year anniversary of our trip to the UK, to go to Miami to stay with my first cousin. We will swim, relax, read books, watch movies, but we will also swim over a coral reef in the Keys and take a fan boat ride in the Everglades. Think that's learning? Yep.
Everyday is an opportunity to grow and learn. Sometimes that looks very structured. Sometimes it looks just plain fun! Enjoy it and show your kids how to enjoy it as well. To quote an overplayed song, "Never lose your sense of wonder!"
And then, when it's all over, count it as school! For realz, yo.
Never let it be said in your home that we take a vacation from learning. Every day is a chance to learn something. Tests are not the point, neither are grades. It glorifies God for us to learn. Vacations are breaks from responsibilities, but not learning.
We leave tomorrow, on the one year anniversary of our trip to the UK, to go to Miami to stay with my first cousin. We will swim, relax, read books, watch movies, but we will also swim over a coral reef in the Keys and take a fan boat ride in the Everglades. Think that's learning? Yep.
Everyday is an opportunity to grow and learn. Sometimes that looks very structured. Sometimes it looks just plain fun! Enjoy it and show your kids how to enjoy it as well. To quote an overplayed song, "Never lose your sense of wonder!"
And then, when it's all over, count it as school! For realz, yo.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Slowing Down
My friend Sophia made the comment the other day that sometimes she's so busy homeschooling that she's never home to homeschool. For the uninitiated that makes zero sense, but for others that statement is met with an immediate head nod and maybe a heavy sigh.
Homeschooling isn't just about worksheets and reading. There are many facets to it. For moms of little ones, there are the weekly play-dates, Children's Theater and field trips. For olders, the options are endless. And exhausting. Co-op, driver's ed, dance class, music lessons, tutoring sessions, Key Club, sports, and on and on and on...
Last year I almost drove myself into the ground. Literally. I was putting about 500-600 miles per WEEK on my van. No joke. Monday: music lessons. Tuesday: Biology. Wednesday: church. Thursday: co-op for the youngers. Friday: Biology lab. Saturday: football. Sunday: church. Start over. We never had two consecutive days at home to just school.
I learned something though. I learned that it can be done. We finished school books. We accomplished our goals. But it wore me out and almost broke the bank when gas prices skyrocketed.
This year we're trying something different. Mondays are crazy full. We have English Co-op, Anatomy class, piano and ballet, all in the same day. But then Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are at home. Friday we have the youngers' co-op. One tank of gas per week. Oh yeah.
It is hard to decide what activities to do and what not to do. I wish I could whip out my handy dandy formula that tells you exactly how to find the right balance. Heck, I wish I had a formula like that. But it's not like that. Homeschooling is, many times, trial and error. You hardly ever get it right the first time. Or the second.
I have to remember (or be reminded by my sweet husband) that I don't have to do what others expect of me, just what is best for our kids. And I have to THINK. Be deliberate and thoughtful about what we do. Busyness for busyness' sake is exhausting and counterproductive. If in doubt, slow down.
Homeschooling isn't just about worksheets and reading. There are many facets to it. For moms of little ones, there are the weekly play-dates, Children's Theater and field trips. For olders, the options are endless. And exhausting. Co-op, driver's ed, dance class, music lessons, tutoring sessions, Key Club, sports, and on and on and on...
Last year I almost drove myself into the ground. Literally. I was putting about 500-600 miles per WEEK on my van. No joke. Monday: music lessons. Tuesday: Biology. Wednesday: church. Thursday: co-op for the youngers. Friday: Biology lab. Saturday: football. Sunday: church. Start over. We never had two consecutive days at home to just school.
I learned something though. I learned that it can be done. We finished school books. We accomplished our goals. But it wore me out and almost broke the bank when gas prices skyrocketed.
This year we're trying something different. Mondays are crazy full. We have English Co-op, Anatomy class, piano and ballet, all in the same day. But then Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are at home. Friday we have the youngers' co-op. One tank of gas per week. Oh yeah.
It is hard to decide what activities to do and what not to do. I wish I could whip out my handy dandy formula that tells you exactly how to find the right balance. Heck, I wish I had a formula like that. But it's not like that. Homeschooling is, many times, trial and error. You hardly ever get it right the first time. Or the second.
I have to remember (or be reminded by my sweet husband) that I don't have to do what others expect of me, just what is best for our kids. And I have to THINK. Be deliberate and thoughtful about what we do. Busyness for busyness' sake is exhausting and counterproductive. If in doubt, slow down.
Parenting Teenagers
Teachable moments with teenagers are rare and random. I was thinking of this as I painted Gracie's fingernails this afternoon and recounted to her tales of painting my nails during chapel when I was in high school. How must that have felt to my principal who was giving the devotional?... I remember maybe two or three talks from chapel.
I was subbing the kids' Sunday school class this morning and we talked about how we always watch our favorite movies over and over again. One little boy said that it was so we could examine them and understand them better. Or maybe it's just because we need repetition for us to ever remember anything!
We talk and talk and talk at our teenagers. Experts give us sure-fire strategies to get them to listen. We want to have that one movie-scripted, defining moment with our kids where they experience this huge epiphany and change their ways. But that's not how it works. When they're little we sing the ABC song ten times a day for months before they can sing it correctly, all by themselves. We remind them "chew with your mouth closed" and "put the seat down" and "wash with soap" and "no jumping on the furniture". We don't remember being told the same things over and over and over again as children. We think they should just know these things instinctively. I think the reason we don't remember it is because we were told so many times and taught so well, that it went very deeply into our core. We would never dream of jumping on the couch or not bathing with soap as adults!
Talking to teenagers requires the same endurance as training toddlers. We have to say it over and over in the hopes that it will one day go deep enough that something clicks. But we cannot give up and we should be encouraged, in a weird sort of way. I don't know about you, but I want the things I teach them to go to their spirit. I want the lessons I harp on about "loving your sister", "cleaning your room", and good hygiene to be a part of their lives. I don't want instantaneous, superficial change. But Lord give me patience. It takes time.
Gospel training is just as difficult. Training my kids in grace means that I have really, really believe the Gospel myself. There are times when it feels like I'm screaming the gospel to my own heart. "I am completely known. I am completely loved. I am completely forgiven. I am completely righteous. By faith ALONE!" Over and over and over.
I forgot a meeting: Others opinions of me do not define me.
I committed that particular sin again: I am completely forgiven. Past, present, future.
I despise myself: I am completely loved and righteous.
Etc, etc.
If my own heart requires repetition, why do I think my teenagers hearts don't?
I was subbing the kids' Sunday school class this morning and we talked about how we always watch our favorite movies over and over again. One little boy said that it was so we could examine them and understand them better. Or maybe it's just because we need repetition for us to ever remember anything!
We talk and talk and talk at our teenagers. Experts give us sure-fire strategies to get them to listen. We want to have that one movie-scripted, defining moment with our kids where they experience this huge epiphany and change their ways. But that's not how it works. When they're little we sing the ABC song ten times a day for months before they can sing it correctly, all by themselves. We remind them "chew with your mouth closed" and "put the seat down" and "wash with soap" and "no jumping on the furniture". We don't remember being told the same things over and over and over again as children. We think they should just know these things instinctively. I think the reason we don't remember it is because we were told so many times and taught so well, that it went very deeply into our core. We would never dream of jumping on the couch or not bathing with soap as adults!
Talking to teenagers requires the same endurance as training toddlers. We have to say it over and over in the hopes that it will one day go deep enough that something clicks. But we cannot give up and we should be encouraged, in a weird sort of way. I don't know about you, but I want the things I teach them to go to their spirit. I want the lessons I harp on about "loving your sister", "cleaning your room", and good hygiene to be a part of their lives. I don't want instantaneous, superficial change. But Lord give me patience. It takes time.
Gospel training is just as difficult. Training my kids in grace means that I have really, really believe the Gospel myself. There are times when it feels like I'm screaming the gospel to my own heart. "I am completely known. I am completely loved. I am completely forgiven. I am completely righteous. By faith ALONE!" Over and over and over.
I forgot a meeting: Others opinions of me do not define me.
I committed that particular sin again: I am completely forgiven. Past, present, future.
I despise myself: I am completely loved and righteous.
Etc, etc.
If my own heart requires repetition, why do I think my teenagers hearts don't?
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Learning to Enjoy
I genuinely enjoy my children. I remember when it was not always so. I don't know if that was due to their "littleness" or my selfishness, maybe both. All I know is that I enjoy them now.
I remember when their noise and demands grated on my nerves. I took it all personally. I felt slighted and taken advantage of. I feel ashamed of that now, but I must admit the truth. I longed for "me" time. I looked forward to bedtime. In hindsight, I can see the dilemma through which I struggled. Little kids are hard. They whine and demand and epitomize the word persistence. Many a day finished with me almost in tears. I was just so tired.
I know there were days that I enjoyed them. I know I tried to enjoy them. But trying and doing are distinctly different. If you have to try to enjoy your children, you end up plagued with floating guilt. I remember enjoying snuggles in the morning and the delicious scent of syrup in their hair after breakfast. I remember teaching them to read and stretching out in the floor next to them playing with counting bears.
I've always liked them. I've always attempted to enjoy them. Now, it is so much easier.
I enjoy waking them in the mornings and kissing their cheeks as they stumble to the kitchen for breakfast. I can't help but smile as I see them each working at their own task, learning and concentrating. I relax into their teasing and hugs and easy affection for me and each other. I just like them.
I like Maggie's profound statements and Ty's wit. I like Gracie's observations and Brody's giggles. I like explaining a math concept and watching their eyes light up with understanding. I revel in their ability to tidy the house in thirty minutes flat.
As they grow older, I feel the days shorten. I see the platform ahead where they will disembark this train that we've traveled on for so long and it fills me with a bittersweet dread.
At the end of the day, I want them to know they are loved. By me and by an omnipotent God. I want them to remember their childhood with fondness and extend grace to me in all of my failures. I want them to trust God with all their heart, soul and mind. I want to spend eternity in heaven getting to know the reality of the potential I see in them. I want to look at them then and say, "There you are. There is the person I always knew was in there."
But for now, I will finish this blog, go command them to bed and kiss their cheeks when teeth are brushed and lights are out. I will enjoy this moment; they feel so fleeting now...
I remember when their noise and demands grated on my nerves. I took it all personally. I felt slighted and taken advantage of. I feel ashamed of that now, but I must admit the truth. I longed for "me" time. I looked forward to bedtime. In hindsight, I can see the dilemma through which I struggled. Little kids are hard. They whine and demand and epitomize the word persistence. Many a day finished with me almost in tears. I was just so tired.
I know there were days that I enjoyed them. I know I tried to enjoy them. But trying and doing are distinctly different. If you have to try to enjoy your children, you end up plagued with floating guilt. I remember enjoying snuggles in the morning and the delicious scent of syrup in their hair after breakfast. I remember teaching them to read and stretching out in the floor next to them playing with counting bears.
I've always liked them. I've always attempted to enjoy them. Now, it is so much easier.
I enjoy waking them in the mornings and kissing their cheeks as they stumble to the kitchen for breakfast. I can't help but smile as I see them each working at their own task, learning and concentrating. I relax into their teasing and hugs and easy affection for me and each other. I just like them.
I like Maggie's profound statements and Ty's wit. I like Gracie's observations and Brody's giggles. I like explaining a math concept and watching their eyes light up with understanding. I revel in their ability to tidy the house in thirty minutes flat.
As they grow older, I feel the days shorten. I see the platform ahead where they will disembark this train that we've traveled on for so long and it fills me with a bittersweet dread.
At the end of the day, I want them to know they are loved. By me and by an omnipotent God. I want them to remember their childhood with fondness and extend grace to me in all of my failures. I want them to trust God with all their heart, soul and mind. I want to spend eternity in heaven getting to know the reality of the potential I see in them. I want to look at them then and say, "There you are. There is the person I always knew was in there."
But for now, I will finish this blog, go command them to bed and kiss their cheeks when teeth are brushed and lights are out. I will enjoy this moment; they feel so fleeting now...
Monday, August 27, 2012
First Day of School
The first official day of school is in the books.
There was one slight meltdown, not by me. I was impatient with the meltdown-er and Chris stepped in to take care of things. I always forget how beautiful that looks, to see their father love on them. I was and am grateful.
It was also an abbreviated schedule since neither of our co-ops have started yet. We finished by lunch. Co-op will add another hour or two to the day.
Changes made that have had an immediate impact:
1. No texting - AT ALL during school. I don't know why I was so lenient last year.
2. No videos, movies, Netflix, etc during the week. I feel punished too, but they can't use these things as a crutch anymore. I see imagination at work already.
4. A written schedule was handed out to each child first thing. It cut down on the number of times I was asked, "Now what do I do?" My sanity told me 'Thank you'.
5. Teaching Textbooks Math. There are no words for how lovely it was today. No words. I hope it continues to be as great as I think it will be.
So, first day done. Today we all did math, reading, writing/grammar, Bible. Maggie and Ty had their first Anatomy class and loved it! When the youngers' co-op starts we will add science, history, geography, missions and current events. The olders' class will be college prep writing and should be very challenging. They also have their electives.
I felt a bit like holding my breath before jumping in this morning. This year is so different from previous years. As I get accustomed to the idea of everything though, I'm getting excited. This year will stretch all of us, but it will also grow us the most. That's something I definitely look forward to with excitement.
There was one slight meltdown, not by me. I was impatient with the meltdown-er and Chris stepped in to take care of things. I always forget how beautiful that looks, to see their father love on them. I was and am grateful.
It was also an abbreviated schedule since neither of our co-ops have started yet. We finished by lunch. Co-op will add another hour or two to the day.
Changes made that have had an immediate impact:
1. No texting - AT ALL during school. I don't know why I was so lenient last year.
2. No videos, movies, Netflix, etc during the week. I feel punished too, but they can't use these things as a crutch anymore. I see imagination at work already.
Art projects!!!
3. Chores begin first thing after breakfast. By the end of the school day, they don't want to work; they want to veg.
4. A written schedule was handed out to each child first thing. It cut down on the number of times I was asked, "Now what do I do?" My sanity told me 'Thank you'.
5. Teaching Textbooks Math. There are no words for how lovely it was today. No words. I hope it continues to be as great as I think it will be.
So, first day done. Today we all did math, reading, writing/grammar, Bible. Maggie and Ty had their first Anatomy class and loved it! When the youngers' co-op starts we will add science, history, geography, missions and current events. The olders' class will be college prep writing and should be very challenging. They also have their electives.
I felt a bit like holding my breath before jumping in this morning. This year is so different from previous years. As I get accustomed to the idea of everything though, I'm getting excited. This year will stretch all of us, but it will also grow us the most. That's something I definitely look forward to with excitement.
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