I keep telling her at the beginning of mini quizzes that this is just to show me what she knows, and to get into the habit of trusting her gut. I won’t be mad if she doesn’t get them all done, or if she does it wrong. Maybe she’s stressing out about the curriculum itself, but I think it’s teaching her quite a bit. Maybe she just hates math, or maybe she hates tests. I’m not sure. My current plan is to keep pressing on, and making kind corrections if she gets one wrong, and coaching her through.
The kids have been more imaginative this week, more playful, and better listeners. I don’t know if someone has been praying, but it sure feels like it. We still all miss Knut, who’s around, but not around. I’ve taken them to see him more often when his semi pulls up to the grain bins on the far side of the yard. I’m still so pleased to see them all asleep at the end of the day.
I wasn’t able to make the monthly “Mom’s night out” with my local homeschool support group this yesterday since the kids aren’t old enough to be left at home alone (ha!), so I called my friend whose husband happens to be Knut’s cousin who also works on the farm. I made myself some coffee and called her up on the phone and we commiserated together. It was wonderful.
For those who like to leave a link to their recent homeschooling posts:
tiffany says
October 14, 2011 at 1:16 pmI love what you said about schooling being more about parenting than qualifications because that is exactly it. God is so faithful to sustain us and equip us for the work at hand.
Lets stick together, continue to encourage one another and keep laughing!
Hugs, Tiffany
Mom says
October 14, 2011 at 1:35 pmAlso, in a sense, all parents are teachers, life teachers, whether they like it or not. You’ve just taken it to the next level. You are persevering through tough times and I’m so glad you’re seeing some rich rewards.
Thanks for the touching compliments! I’m glad I could help.
Gretchen R says
October 14, 2011 at 1:48 pmThat’s so right, Mom! I didn’t realize for so long that homeschooling meant that I was doing exactly what I was doing pre-school. I’m just moving them to the next level, but hasn’t that been my job all along? All parents are teachers, homeschooling or not.
J and K Smith says
October 14, 2011 at 1:48 pmI like what your mom said about all moms being teachers–life teachers who simply continue the learning to the next level. That is what I try to do as seamlessly as possible. (Though I am a lover of checklists and workbooks so it doesn’t always happen seamlessly. 🙂 )
Lisa Joy says
October 14, 2011 at 7:55 pmI also love your mom’s comments and advice! 🙂 The more I think about that speaker we listened to last month, and the three subjects of character, knowledge and skills, the more I realize how much we really are doing. I have been so focused on the knowledge part (which is still important!), but every time they help with their siblings, or help with chores or cooking, or spending time with Daddy in the field, they are learning skills. That is important. Today turned out to be a big character lesson kind of day when a very simple thing turned into a huge lesson on the importance of honesty. Also, I didn’t make it to Mom’s Night last night either. 🙁 Take care and God bless! 🙂
Lisa says
October 15, 2011 at 12:43 amI like what your mom said about daddy being gone is not an excuse for behaviors. Until this spring, hubby was gone over half the month for work. Anytime one of the kids were whiny or not behaving appropriately, someone would justify it by saying, “Oh he/she just misses their daddy.” I always responded that they probably do because I do also but that does not justify behaviors. I always felt like a bad mom when someone would say that to me.
I also have a 2 (almost 3) and the whining is horrible. I LOVED your idea about making your son ask with a smile! Totally trying that one out!