I didn't take any pictures of the kids doing school work this week--and it was intentional. I feel I've been reading some "veteran" homeschoolers' blogs too much lately and trying to do things too much like they do, and in the process have gotten myself very stressed out and overwhelmed. So, Jon and I have decided to re-group and really think about what we're doing and laying it out to what works for our family. As one of my friends just asked me yesterday, "Are you trying to do school at home or are you home schooling?" I think there is a big difference, now that I think about it, and I've been trying to create this little school atmosphere at home that really just isn't possible right now. It doesn't mean I'm not going to try to do some things the way I've seen on these blogs, but the truth is that Sean is just 4 and he doesn't need to start Kindergarten this coming year, so I'm just not going to stress about having a ton of structure on our school days. Lilly is too young for what I've been trying to do and with Brilee crawling all over the place now, it's just too distracting.
This came at a good time too, since we've got a few more weeks left in our rotation of studying letters, then we would be outside a whole lot more for summer activities anyway, so I've got a while to plan through what our schedule will look like when we really start back up again. I'm learning to be content with where we are right now, and to tend to my kids' spiritual training as the focus and the other things will fall into place as we figure things out. I want to start enjoying the time with my kids again--I've missed that the last month or so, and I want them to know I love them so much and that my distraction of preparing things for school doesn't take precedence over their every day little needs--there are too many of those to count!
So, I'll leave you with a picture of Jon and the kids from a birthday party we went to on Saturday. It was windy, but perfectly beautiful and fun to celebrate friends and family!
Sounds like a wonderful plan, Amber. I, too, stressed myself out and tried to do too much at the beginning. A wise "veteran" really helped me to see that less really is more. So much happens in daily living- they learn so much. I also found it was only really the last 3-4 months have things been easier for the boy and he has the desire, drive and purpose to learn. Makes my job MUCH easier!
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