I'll be honest. I'm proud of the fact that we have just wrapped up 9 weeks of consistent learning/school. At the same time, I realize that it is time to ramp it up...a bit. I say a bit, because I fear a mutiny. It took the first 6 weeks for 12 yodd to stop digging in her heels, and I don't want her to regress. Who wants to to hear "Ooey Gooey was a worm," recited again with that flat tone of voice accompanied by the eye rolling? Not me, thank you very much!
Okay, so maybe the story isn't true, but I'm going to give it a try. I plan to slooooowly add one subject and let the shipmates get used to it before attempting to add another. Maybe they won't notice the water getting "hotter."
Increasing the temperature:
12yodd - American History via reading A History of US
10yodd - D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
We did it. We finished another week! And...I'm toast. As I posted on a homeschool board, "I'm tired of being good!"
Warning: If you are considering homeschooling multiple children, read no further. ;)
Reality? Homeschool is work. Yes, it is. There are pros and there are cons, and one of the cons is that it IS hard to teach three different levels. You constantly feel that you are short changing someone. It is hard to be with your children 24/7. It is hard to keep house with people in said house all day long.
Today DH came home early and took the children to see the movie Speed Racer. Ah, three glorious hours home alone. I couldn't believe how much I was able to accomplish while they were gone. Hmmm...the wheels started turning..."What if I sent the kids to public school every day? Just think of how much I could get done. Think of the peace and quiet. Think of how clean the house would be." How tempting!!!
But you know what? I've been down that road before with the oldest, and I know that it isn't a bed of roses. Yeah, there was homework, projects that I stayed up late helping her with, and you live your life around the school's schedule, but here's the worst part...she wasn't nearly as excited to see me at the end of the day as I was to see her. She needed down time. She pushed me away. I understand. But, day after day it broke my mommy heart. While she was at school I missed her, anticipated the fun things we would do together, and when she arrived home she was too stressed and tired to even want to be with me. I can't imagine experiencing that times three.
I know homeschool isn't for everyone. This isn't meant to send anyone on a guilt trip. However, homeschool is for our family. I do not know why, but I do know that this is what we are supposed to do.
Now, for those of you who disagree with homeschooling, you have my permission to roll your eyes, shake your head and sigh, or cluck your tongue. It's okay, I can't see you. ;)
I am happy to announce that after SIX unrelenting weeks of digging in her heels, the 12 year old has decided to do her school with a cheerful attitude. Phew! Folks, I was getting tired. Words cannot express the unexpected relief I have experienced the last two days (how's that for ex's ?). I had no idea how much I dreaded doing school with said child.
What has turned the tide? Well, I wish I could say that it was my perseverance, but the truth probably is a change in math programs. She has been using Rod & Staff Math for the past three years. It is a solid math series but dd was ready to move on. I looked through R&S Math 8 and realized that minus the chapters on Geometry and Algebra much of it would be review for dd. So, we decided to jump ship after completing three chapters and started Algebra I on Monday. Algebra make someone happy? We're about to test that theory.
DH had a sleep study last night. Twelve year old daughter is interested in sleep disorders (story research), so DH arranged for her to be there until he went to bed.
