Tuesday, September 4, 2007

First Day of Homeschool

Well I survived my first day of homeschool! It was a little bumpy, we didn't get as much done as I thought we would, but that's OK. What really surprised me is how happy and open my son was. I told him to read a Science introduction. Then he said to me, "You know its hard for me to read stuff, you gotta help me." So I said, "OK" and proceeded to help him.

He was so happy to have my help. We had to keep stopping to define words, explain sentences, and think of examples. I thought he wouldn't like it, but he was fine. He seemed excited to learn. He was smiling and very interactive. (A very nice sign from any Junior High age boy...) Then he mentioned to me that he "sort of learned" this last year but "didn't get it." I felt so guilty after he said that, because I've been telling myself for a couple of years now that I couldn't homeschool, I'll drive him crazy... The truth is I'm afraid he will drive me crazy.

I'm also homeschooling my daughter. She got a little frustrated at first, but then seemed to do just fine. Again the guilt hit because I tell her to read something and she does. Meanwhile, 90% of my attention is on G because he can't work independently. It's really hard because I don't want GA to feel like she's always getting less than her brother...

On a fun note we chewed gum, had trampoline breaks and decided that making cookies will be a part of our weekly homeschool work. We are determined to find the ultimate cookie.

8 comments:

kristen spina said...

Oatmeal cranberry with white choc. chips. Yum. Happy to send the recipe...

Meanwhile, I give you a lot of credit for homeschooling. I think it's such a great option for so many kids. Good luck!

Bonnie said...

send us the recipe! I'm a terrible blogger I don't know how to send e-mail to my posting friends! :-P

Katherine said...

Yay Bonnie! I'm so glad the first day went well. Cookies sound great... yum yum! See you tonight!

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

It's so hard to get the balance right between competing needs. The cookies project looks like a winner though.
Cheers

Shawn said...

I'm so glad that trampoline has become a part of your curriculum!!

walking said...

My daughter does most of her work on the rocking chair on the back porch! :-)

In reference to your daughter, here is a thought . . . how much time did you spend with her while she was at school and extra-curricular activities X hours a day? I bet you spend more time with her now . . .

It takes time, but you do find your rhythm. In time, your son will become more independent. I remember when I had to sit next to my daughter and, if I got up to wash dishes, she lost her concentration. Now, she gets out her math before my first cup of coffee and works on it in her rocker.

Anonymous said...

Well done on your efforts. My son starts school next year, and my husband and I have talked about homeschool but honestly I have to admit I think he really would drive me crazy. I truly admire any parent who can do it.
I am a teacher from a past life, but I just don't know if I could teach my son full time. I also worry about his younger sister getting in the way and disrupting learning time. We'll see how things go with mainstream school!

PS. I love your blog and hope you don't mind if I add you to my blogroll. xx