So far in my week of Boot Camp, and we're on day #3, I've collected two small garbage bags full of stuffed animals, three American Girl dolls, a baseball cap, and a purple plastic jax. I've written two names on the board. I've called in the Principal, assigned homework and jobs, and made all three pupils cry. So far it's a roaring success. Note the irony in my tone?
I've taught my youngest to stand, look me in the eye and speak clearly when answering me. Something she struggles with normally and yet seems to take as par for the course during Boot Camp week. I like it. The day has been quieter here. I like that too. We're whizzing through the work. I love that.
The discipline has been good for them. The discipline has been good for me. I don't like it. No discipline seems good at the time. Sound familiar? Ugh. It's annoying that it's true.
Let's talk about the attitudes. In the last few weeks specifically if I asked my 6yo to do something she was highly likely to do the puddle melt tantrum. Ya know the one where she lets her muscles go loose, drops to the floor moaning and whining, "Do I have tooooooooooo?" My typical response is a harsh, "YES. Now get up." While there are still occasional moans they are low, short, and there are no limp noodle legs happening. She has been more cheerful and more cooperative.
She and I worked side by side cleaning her room. She shares the room with her 8yo (9 on Friday!) sister. The room is not immaculate but it's stayed clean to the point we got it to over the weekend. That is a minor miracle. The morning, afternoon and evening picking up is working. Shock of all shocks.
My eight year old, soon to be nine year old also had major attitude issues. She is the owner of the two bags worth of dolls and stuffies. I wasn't certain on Day 1 that she was going to survive the week. I did let her earn back her favorite bear, but all other bears/stuffies/dolls will be earned back after Boot Camp, not during. There hasn't been a major meltdown since. The biggest challenge for her is keeping her mouth closed. She talks without even realizing she's talking. Hence the check mark beside her name on the board.
She has worked without complaining today, and that's an improvement.
Uh oh. I spoke too soon. Her passive aggressive resistance is showing. It could be another long night. *sigh* I will stay calm. I will stay calm. ;)
The oldest is upstairs working on her Time4Learning work. She had the least attitude problem. Our biggest issue is writing. She needs to learn the mechanics and doesn't want to, or hasn't rather. I think she's ready. We discussed the attitude about it and she asked for help. She will be starting a project this week on Rome or Greece, whichever she choose, specifically Ancient Rome or Greece. We'll see how that goes.
Then there's my attitude. I'm tired. This is the fifth day straight of work at my part time job and I am tired. Tonight is the last shift for a couple of days and I'm looking forward to the break. Tonight I want to take a look at the rest of the weeks Sonlight Lesson plans and figure out what we are doing and what we are not doing out of the guide. We're ready to start Week 7. Ay yi yi. I refuse to think of where we could be and will instead focus on where we are and moving forward.
There are consequences for actions God can turn even what we see as negative consequences into positive ones. I can see that at work here. The negative of Boot Camp is bringing about positives. I pray that it will continue to do so and that God will reach the heart of my children through this week.
Monday, December 6, 2010
BOOT CAMP! Update 1
Some of you asked to hear updates back on boot camp. While the girls are having their lunch recess I thought I'd take a minute to share how it's going. Some of you may laugh as it doesn't sound like that much, others will be groaning with how much work it is. I am sometimes but not outloud, I don't want my name on the board. ;)
You should also know that this Boot Camp comes as a result of weeks, possibly months if I look back that far of resistance, negative attitudes, disrespect, whining, complaining and just overall unpleasantness from the girls. I don't think those are nice traits in anyone and since we homeschool and the girls are with us 24/7 you can imagine how unbearable it can be. . .shoot, if you have kids or spend time around any at all you know how unbearable that can be! How much more pleasant is it to be around children who are polite, thoughtful, obedient, respectful, and cheerful? Like the difference between a sweet treat and spoiled vinegar.
Here's our schedule:
8:00 a.m. wake up, get dressed, get breakfast, put your jammies away, brush your teeth and hair. Free time
without electronics.
9:00 a.m. School starts
10:15-10:30 morning break
10:30-12 School work
12-12:30 lunch (work on jobs or schoolwork while mom makes lunch)
12:30-1 Outside recess
1-2:15 School Work
2:15-2:30 Afternoon break
2:30-3:30 School work
3:30-4:00 Jobs (dishes, sweeping the floor, bathrooms, bedrooms, garbage)
4:00-5:30 Homework then free time until work is done.
5:30 Supper
6:00-8:00 Homework and jobs completed as needed may use electronics now no more than 30 minutes
each. Get ready for bed. Teeth brushed, jammies on, clothes away or in laundry.
8:00-8:30 In bed, lights out at 8:30.
School rules are in place. They may not speak without raising their hand first and being called on. No talking without permission. They must sit at a desk or table to do their work. They have a time limit on their subjects and we move on regardless if they are finished with the assigned work or not. Leftover work is homework (this is a foreign concept!). Permission must be recieved before going to the bathroom. Oh, and at lunch they eat what is served without complaining or go hungry.
Now, it's time to call them in for our afternoon of work so I need to go. Recess is over! If I have time this afternoon I'll share how this is affecting their attitudes.
.
You should also know that this Boot Camp comes as a result of weeks, possibly months if I look back that far of resistance, negative attitudes, disrespect, whining, complaining and just overall unpleasantness from the girls. I don't think those are nice traits in anyone and since we homeschool and the girls are with us 24/7 you can imagine how unbearable it can be. . .shoot, if you have kids or spend time around any at all you know how unbearable that can be! How much more pleasant is it to be around children who are polite, thoughtful, obedient, respectful, and cheerful? Like the difference between a sweet treat and spoiled vinegar.
Here's our schedule:
8:00 a.m. wake up, get dressed, get breakfast, put your jammies away, brush your teeth and hair. Free time
without electronics.
9:00 a.m. School starts
10:15-10:30 morning break
10:30-12 School work
12-12:30 lunch (work on jobs or schoolwork while mom makes lunch)
12:30-1 Outside recess
1-2:15 School Work
2:15-2:30 Afternoon break
2:30-3:30 School work
3:30-4:00 Jobs (dishes, sweeping the floor, bathrooms, bedrooms, garbage)
4:00-5:30 Homework then free time until work is done.
5:30 Supper
6:00-8:00 Homework and jobs completed as needed may use electronics now no more than 30 minutes
each. Get ready for bed. Teeth brushed, jammies on, clothes away or in laundry.
8:00-8:30 In bed, lights out at 8:30.
School rules are in place. They may not speak without raising their hand first and being called on. No talking without permission. They must sit at a desk or table to do their work. They have a time limit on their subjects and we move on regardless if they are finished with the assigned work or not. Leftover work is homework (this is a foreign concept!). Permission must be recieved before going to the bathroom. Oh, and at lunch they eat what is served without complaining or go hungry.
Now, it's time to call them in for our afternoon of work so I need to go. Recess is over! If I have time this afternoon I'll share how this is affecting their attitudes.
.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Just one of those days.
There are days when I glory in being a homeschool family. When the sun is shining brightly and we're helping harvest carrots at the volunteer organic garden, or when we're enjoying time with friends at the beach, or when I watch one of my children understand something for the first time. Those are gems of days.
Then there are days when the headache at the back of my head pounds out a tempo mocking me and I wonder why it is again that I choose to do what someone else will do for free. Why do I choose to work on daily schedules and weekly lesson plans. Why do I spend hours choosing the right curriculum and then months implementing it when I could drop them at school and have blissful quiet hours in a house that stays clean until they come home.
Days when one child comes to me after nearly throwing up to tell me that she lied to me all week. That she had not in fact completed her work but had done part and then pretended it was done. When my youngest goes to her room in tears because the playdate didn't work out and she's miserable because she'd looked forward to it all day! Or when she wimpers, whines and cries because she doesn't want to do her reading, her handwriting, her whatever it is she was asked to do.
There are days when my home feels peaceful, calm and is a place I enjoy being. There are days when I wish I could just run away and start over in a new house and forget cleaning up and sorting through the old. Sometimes I am filled with contentment and peace and somedays I am wracked with doubt, worry, fear, and shame. Why don't I do a better job? Why can't I think of things ahead of time? Why don't I take the time to do it well? Why? Why? Why?
Well, because I'm not perfect. I am a work in progress. God has promised that He will complete the work He began in me. Just as He will complete the work he has begun in my children. HE will. Not me. I can't. Doesn't matter how well I lesson plan and present those lessons. HE is the one who will engineer my children's learning, growth, and being.
Today is one of those days when I need to grit my teeth, cry out to God, throw up my hands and let it go. It's just one of those days.
Then there are days when the headache at the back of my head pounds out a tempo mocking me and I wonder why it is again that I choose to do what someone else will do for free. Why do I choose to work on daily schedules and weekly lesson plans. Why do I spend hours choosing the right curriculum and then months implementing it when I could drop them at school and have blissful quiet hours in a house that stays clean until they come home.
Days when one child comes to me after nearly throwing up to tell me that she lied to me all week. That she had not in fact completed her work but had done part and then pretended it was done. When my youngest goes to her room in tears because the playdate didn't work out and she's miserable because she'd looked forward to it all day! Or when she wimpers, whines and cries because she doesn't want to do her reading, her handwriting, her whatever it is she was asked to do.
There are days when my home feels peaceful, calm and is a place I enjoy being. There are days when I wish I could just run away and start over in a new house and forget cleaning up and sorting through the old. Sometimes I am filled with contentment and peace and somedays I am wracked with doubt, worry, fear, and shame. Why don't I do a better job? Why can't I think of things ahead of time? Why don't I take the time to do it well? Why? Why? Why?
Well, because I'm not perfect. I am a work in progress. God has promised that He will complete the work He began in me. Just as He will complete the work he has begun in my children. HE will. Not me. I can't. Doesn't matter how well I lesson plan and present those lessons. HE is the one who will engineer my children's learning, growth, and being.
Today is one of those days when I need to grit my teeth, cry out to God, throw up my hands and let it go. It's just one of those days.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Blank Pages
I'm sitting here at my desk in the basement, which is the coolest place in the house. I'm staring at the blank squares in my nifty new teacher's planner. And I'm panicking slightly. Why? Because I love new beginnings. Love blank spaces, squares or days and enjoy filling them, organizing and planning what we'll do. Except today, I don't. It's the second day of school and this my friends, does not bode well. I admit it. I'm worried.
Is it the caffeine? I had two cups of coffee this morning, can I possibly blame this on that? No? *sigh* Okay.
I've ranted and raved, and something must've worked because my two older girls are quietly doing the reading they are supposed to do. The youngest is playing with toys like it's the privledge it is to have them, instead of whining about nothing to do. We've done Math, Spelling, Reading, and they are doing their History Reading. Little one has done Explode the Code, Handwriting and Math. It's been as successful day so far in that aspect. Yesterday we hit History, Thurs. we will do Science some more.
I like what we have! I feel so unequipped to plan this year though. My perfectionism is defeating me! I'm warring inside reminding myself that just doing something is better than nothing because it's not perfect. And that I can't know what will work until I try some things and find out what won't. I know this. I've been there, done this, wore out the t-shirt.
What is holding me back? Laziness? Maybe somewhat. Reluctance to let go of the summer. Oh yeah, for sure. I've enjoyed the last few laid back weeks. The sleeping in, and reading whatever, chatting with friends online. It's been nice! But I know it's time to get back to it. It's time. Public schools start next week. We are taking a week and a bit off at the end of September. It's time.
I feel so unprepared. I've been planning all summer, working on getting photocopies made, cleaning, organizing etc. but last week was crazy with work at The Home Depot and in the evenings I did have off instead of working on homeschooling stuff I just relaxed. Now I'm paying for not spending time a little more wisely. I will get it together. Slowly but surely we will pull it together and be just fine. This is one of those things I need to grow through.
Day 2 of 180 some days is almost done. So is the laudry. Life goes on, bring on Day 3.
Is it the caffeine? I had two cups of coffee this morning, can I possibly blame this on that? No? *sigh* Okay.
I've ranted and raved, and something must've worked because my two older girls are quietly doing the reading they are supposed to do. The youngest is playing with toys like it's the privledge it is to have them, instead of whining about nothing to do. We've done Math, Spelling, Reading, and they are doing their History Reading. Little one has done Explode the Code, Handwriting and Math. It's been as successful day so far in that aspect. Yesterday we hit History, Thurs. we will do Science some more.
I like what we have! I feel so unequipped to plan this year though. My perfectionism is defeating me! I'm warring inside reminding myself that just doing something is better than nothing because it's not perfect. And that I can't know what will work until I try some things and find out what won't. I know this. I've been there, done this, wore out the t-shirt.
What is holding me back? Laziness? Maybe somewhat. Reluctance to let go of the summer. Oh yeah, for sure. I've enjoyed the last few laid back weeks. The sleeping in, and reading whatever, chatting with friends online. It's been nice! But I know it's time to get back to it. It's time. Public schools start next week. We are taking a week and a bit off at the end of September. It's time.
I feel so unprepared. I've been planning all summer, working on getting photocopies made, cleaning, organizing etc. but last week was crazy with work at The Home Depot and in the evenings I did have off instead of working on homeschooling stuff I just relaxed. Now I'm paying for not spending time a little more wisely. I will get it together. Slowly but surely we will pull it together and be just fine. This is one of those things I need to grow through.
Day 2 of 180 some days is almost done. So is the laudry. Life goes on, bring on Day 3.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
In The Beginning
In the beginning my oldest two girls could not spell beginning. In the beginning our school books, our supplies, everything were upstairs. In the beginning the downstairs area was toy cluttered and not a great place to be unless I'd just cleaned. This week is the beginning. July, 2010 we gave ourselves a new beginning. I decided that the basement would be ever so much cooler than the upstairs. So one load at a time we transferred our homeschool books, binders, papers, and other supplies into the basement.
The first day doing school here in the basement I noticed something amazing. I opened Sequential Spelling, and we started at lesson 2, where we'd left off. Instead of sighs and moans I was met with, "Okay, cool!" With one girl at the purple desk and one on the couch I started writing their spelling words on the board. They were smiling, cheering, or moaning depending on how the word went. But no one was complaining! Day two repeated the behaviour (behavior for those of you in the States.) Today it continued and, oh bliss! they both spelled beginnings correctly!
I visit a women's board daily called Heart's At Home. Earlier this week I posted a thread titled "The Basement Chronicles" and someone said it sounded like a blog. That thought has been ricocheting through my head and tonight, while my lovely girls and their daddy are at VBS I am beginning this blog.
The floor of the basement is vacuumed. The whiteboard is wiped clean. The books are neatly on the bookshelf waiting for tomorrow. I love neatness and order!! But even more, I love that the girls are enjoying using this space for school.
The basement chronicles began on Monday and we'll see how long our school stays in the basement. I love sunshine and during the winter when it is rare I want to be as close to the windows as possible in case it happens! Also, I love being warm, and those same windows and that same sun that makes the upstairs hot in July makes it warm and welcoming in January. So our learning may just move itself back upstairs once the cold hits, we'll see!
Let me tell you about my girls. Longlegs is 11. She loves to be outside, to be active, or even be still and reading a book. Her favorite colors right now are bright orange and lime green. She is growing into a young woman and I love watching her bloom! Math is the bane of her existance followed very closely or depending on the day exceeded by Writing. She comes by it honestly as her dad doesn't enjoy writing either. I am however baffled as to how my child could not enjoy writing! Maybe this is one of those things she'll grow into. Her heart for others and desire to serve God and bring him glory shines through in almost everything she does.
Cookie is 8. She has a smile that makes you smile if you're looking at her, and a laugh that if you hear it will make you laugh too. She is slowly coming into a love of reading and is naturally good at spelling, when she puts her mind to it. She'd rather not do any work and will sometimes drag it on and on rather than just get it done. She loves to give gifts to people and you will often find her making something for someone or drawing a picture to give away. She also loves to talk and will talk to pretty much anyone about anything. I love her boldness and her sweet heart. Lately especially I've noticed her reading her Bible, working hard to control her temper, and obeying with a good attitude.
MissChevious is 5. When she was very small if you didn't know where she was you were in trouble! She is maturing and growing into a lovely young girl but still has her moments, like yesterday when she managed to get artists quality acrylic paint on our nice yellow chair. She is smart. Very smart. Going to give her mom a run for her money, smart. With her older sisters leading the way (and they are smart too by the way!) she's already leaps ahead of where I thought she'd be at 5. This year we will be working through Sonlight Core 1. She is already reading well, and spelling well too. Math so far is a breeze. She loves her stuffies, doing puzzles, and playing with horses and Barbies. I love to be nearby when she's playing because often she'll start to sing a hymn. There's not much sweeter than hearing your little girl singing, "Oh the blood of Jesus!" or "Rock of ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in thee."
All that is good in our home, in our homeschool is a blessing from God. He lifts me up daily, even when I forget to ask him too! I'm looking forward to this year. Looking forward to Sonlight Core 3/4 and Core 1!
In the beginning. . . . . the basement chronicles of a homeschool mom. . . . .
The first day doing school here in the basement I noticed something amazing. I opened Sequential Spelling, and we started at lesson 2, where we'd left off. Instead of sighs and moans I was met with, "Okay, cool!" With one girl at the purple desk and one on the couch I started writing their spelling words on the board. They were smiling, cheering, or moaning depending on how the word went. But no one was complaining! Day two repeated the behaviour (behavior for those of you in the States.) Today it continued and, oh bliss! they both spelled beginnings correctly!
I visit a women's board daily called Heart's At Home. Earlier this week I posted a thread titled "The Basement Chronicles" and someone said it sounded like a blog. That thought has been ricocheting through my head and tonight, while my lovely girls and their daddy are at VBS I am beginning this blog.
The floor of the basement is vacuumed. The whiteboard is wiped clean. The books are neatly on the bookshelf waiting for tomorrow. I love neatness and order!! But even more, I love that the girls are enjoying using this space for school.
The basement chronicles began on Monday and we'll see how long our school stays in the basement. I love sunshine and during the winter when it is rare I want to be as close to the windows as possible in case it happens! Also, I love being warm, and those same windows and that same sun that makes the upstairs hot in July makes it warm and welcoming in January. So our learning may just move itself back upstairs once the cold hits, we'll see!
Let me tell you about my girls. Longlegs is 11. She loves to be outside, to be active, or even be still and reading a book. Her favorite colors right now are bright orange and lime green. She is growing into a young woman and I love watching her bloom! Math is the bane of her existance followed very closely or depending on the day exceeded by Writing. She comes by it honestly as her dad doesn't enjoy writing either. I am however baffled as to how my child could not enjoy writing! Maybe this is one of those things she'll grow into. Her heart for others and desire to serve God and bring him glory shines through in almost everything she does.
Cookie is 8. She has a smile that makes you smile if you're looking at her, and a laugh that if you hear it will make you laugh too. She is slowly coming into a love of reading and is naturally good at spelling, when she puts her mind to it. She'd rather not do any work and will sometimes drag it on and on rather than just get it done. She loves to give gifts to people and you will often find her making something for someone or drawing a picture to give away. She also loves to talk and will talk to pretty much anyone about anything. I love her boldness and her sweet heart. Lately especially I've noticed her reading her Bible, working hard to control her temper, and obeying with a good attitude.
MissChevious is 5. When she was very small if you didn't know where she was you were in trouble! She is maturing and growing into a lovely young girl but still has her moments, like yesterday when she managed to get artists quality acrylic paint on our nice yellow chair. She is smart. Very smart. Going to give her mom a run for her money, smart. With her older sisters leading the way (and they are smart too by the way!) she's already leaps ahead of where I thought she'd be at 5. This year we will be working through Sonlight Core 1. She is already reading well, and spelling well too. Math so far is a breeze. She loves her stuffies, doing puzzles, and playing with horses and Barbies. I love to be nearby when she's playing because often she'll start to sing a hymn. There's not much sweeter than hearing your little girl singing, "Oh the blood of Jesus!" or "Rock of ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in thee."
All that is good in our home, in our homeschool is a blessing from God. He lifts me up daily, even when I forget to ask him too! I'm looking forward to this year. Looking forward to Sonlight Core 3/4 and Core 1!
In the beginning. . . . . the basement chronicles of a homeschool mom. . . . .
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