Because we can.
I'll tell you the truth. The beginning of this school year has been rough. R O U G H. With a side of losingmymindimpossiblydifficult.
Last year, I was basically teaching Jayla and Onyx, with a few preschoolers around.
Things are completely different with the addition of M & F, and Tyden beginning K.
Meadow and Tyden are supposedly in the same grade, but they aren't even close in skill level. Meadow is more like Pre K and Tyden is closer to 1st grade. ESL is new to me. It is challenging.
So, I've got 5 different levels to accommodate. Plus a 2 year old. Plus a puppy. Plus My Appetite. And theirs. (Because they get plenty of exercise too you know.) Plus the interruptions. I timed them. 120 seconds is our max for a continuous stream of *educational* thought to flow before someone/thing interjects. 120 seconds! 120 seconds! The stopping. And starting. And stopping. And starting. Oh my nerves!
Bobby and I had a date last night (thank you Alyssa!) and we discussed the conundrum I'm facing every.single.long.day. entitled Effective Home Education for 7 Young People. We talked about public school. And charter school. We thought about options. We came to a renewed realization.
We passionately feel homeschooling is best for our children at this time. All of them.
Then, my honeylove, the handsome and outstanding Bobby D. bought me this book. Because I do believe much of the unschooling philosophy is so very natrual and authentic and easily entreated and palatable and liberating and empowering and organic. I need to find ways to incoorperate this type of thinking into our lives more - find a better balance - stop driving my children crazy by being so task-completion-is-the-primary-goal oriented. It will help us all.
I've got some adjusting to do.....later.
The splash park awaits.
3 comments:
along the lines of unschooling and schooling many at one time...have you heard of Math on the Level??
I can't think of a better option for you guys that unschooling!
Oh I hear ya! Every year I have to remind myself that the first several weeks are always a process of settling in. It always feels like we have never done this before, I'm stressed, I feel like a dictator...etc..... but it always settles, even if I think it seems impossible. Have you reminded yourself of this? I always forget and then about 2-3 weeks in (every year)I think, "Oh, yeah, I forgot that these first few weeks are always hairy (my husband had to remind me this year...AGAIN)! Duh on my part. I am learning too expect it now. With our new addition and all 4 going on different levels it took more like 4-5 weeks, but it's all good. Personally, I think the Lord also uses it to speak to me "OK, here we go daughter; are you really at peace despite your circumstances? I in you and you in me!"
the key for me ... lowering the expectations!!! A bit here and a bit there ... and we use the Classical model. I just have to remind myself to take it one day at a time and give myself grace when we don't "finish our work."
btw - would you email me a family photo? I'd love to have your pic on my refrigerator - will develop it thru snapfish.
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