BOOT CAMP! Update 1 part 2

  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. 

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.



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