If you read D’s entry on Friday, you know that last week didn’t end on a great note. For a week chock full of great things, it was really a shame that it ended with stress and frustration.
Maybe we haven’t yet found the balance we’re looking for. Maybe we we’re just tired. Maybe we’ve yet to find the right curriculum that shows me how to teach, while teaching my kids how to learn.
But I’d be lying if I told you it didn’t make me worry.
I really want homeschooling to work. I love the teaching and learning. I love the flexible schedule, and the opportunities that exist because of it. I love the quality time I get to spend with my kids.
But I haven’t figured out what to do when adolescence meets math or grammar. Dresponds in the same irritated way, whether she’s not challenged enough, or challenged too much. And my impatient reaction to that response isn’t working. I know she’d never act like this to a school teacher, so it’s a parent-child hurdle we need to overcome.
Maybe if I can decipher the language of my growing girl, as a parent, the teaching will follow.
A lot went well last week, however.
Underwater World, C’s writing (he’s writing a paragraph each day to caption photos from last summer’s fishing trip,) two-hour recess, science experiments, and playdates with friends.
And probably our biggest area of growth last week, was connecting with a local homeschool group, and discovering that three families live within a mile of our home. We plan to join their monthly meetings, and connect with one of the families individually as well.
This week
We’ll school for nearly a full week, so that we can shorten the days whenever possible. The grammar load will be lighter, because D’s choosing to read one book at a time for Sonlight, rather than reading three at once. And she already finished the entire two-week language unit last week (her choice) because it was integrated with the book she read. So while she completes the other two books this week, we’ll try to practice grammar rules, but with games, rather than written exercises.
And in math, well, I don’t know. I guess I’ll just try to listen to her and muddle through what’s left of the units she considers “review”. It’s all gearing up for algebra, which will come very soon. I think that will be a new concept, so maybe at that point we’ll be on the same page.
Everything with C seems to be going swimmingly, so we’ll just keep going!
Advice? Wisdom? Anyone been there before? I’d appreciate any insight you can share. Thanks!
More experiment milestones:
The Beginning
One-month Review
Two-Month Review
Three-Month Review
Four-Month Review
(The curricula and resources we’re using are listed on my curriculum page. As I discover materials and use them, I add to the list and make notes. So the page is changed weekly. We do spelling, reading, writing, and math on a daily basis. Social studies and science are studied in themes or integrated with other subjects.)
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10:51 am
I wish I had some advice, but this is life as I parent I think! I know exactly what you’re describing! It’s the best and worst - truly a double-edged sword as parent. The fact that you’re aware of it and looking for solutions is critical. I often wonder if I were tackling this how I might go about it - - -review is a swear word for my Cid and I think I’d have to really focus on the positive motivation with her and balance in new/challenging. Honestly it makes my head spin to consider…I think you’re doing great!!
Hugs,
Holly
Holly’s Corner
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Holly! I think I’ll go through the rest of the review as quickly as possible and just highlight the parts I know prepare her for the algebra unit. Maybe that will work better!
4:37 pm
Holy Cow - I just wrote practically the same thing re: our current homeschooling funk in an email to the Palm Tree Pundit just this afternoon.
Weird?
Sorry for your struggles. I’m struggling too.
12:14 am
I know a fantastic homeschooler that takes art class with me
I’m going to send her your way http://www.wildflowermorning.blogspot.com/
Thanks! I’ll check out her blog!
2:43 pm
Mad libs are fun for grammar!
Here are some links:
http://www.eduplace.com/tales/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/games/wildandwacky/
http://www.madglibs.com/
Thank you so much, Leslie! I’ll look into these!
11:01 am
The first step is not to take anything personally. She’s not attacking YOU. She’s just trying to figure it all out as much as you are. When things are calm, ask her what she thinks will help. She doesn’t like the meltdowns any more than you do. Take her out for something to eat and talk to her. Let her know that the current responses are not helpful, but give her time to explain what triggers them. These are character building times for both mom and child. But trust me, if you work through them your time with your children will be a lot sweeter. Just like weeds in a garden we have to work to get them out and sometimes the roots are deep. But taking the time to pull them out will yield a better flower in the long term. Transplanting your daughter into a different school situation now, only gives someone else the joy of watching the flower blossom. Don’t give up. Dig in.
I appreciate your support and encouragement so much! Thank you Spunky!
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