Thankful Thursday - Learning the Process

One of my favorite things about homeschooling has always been letting the kids progress at their own pace. Early on, when it was just Noah, "their own pace" always meant "at the speed of light". I've never worried about him being "behind" with anything. In fact, I never really felt as though I was doing much teaching - he just seemed to know things. So the rare moments that we do have to stop and go over something a few times always surprise me - and him.

As we head towards the end of our 2nd grade curriculum, we've finally had a breakthough in an area we've been struggling with all year. Noah's always loved math, but he likes to think he can do it all in his head and has been very resistant to writing things down and showing his work. It's hard to argue with his theory when he still gets to the correct answer, but I finally decided to push the issue a bit. After all, he's not going to be able to do it all in his head forever. And besides, it makes me look bad when I have to write it out to check his answers!

Throughout the year, as the work got more challenging, I noticed that occasionally he'd get an answer wrong - usually the result of working too quickly and not taking the time to mark down if he was carrying or borrowing numbers. I'd reinforce the idea of working through the problem properly - and he'd proceed in his own way anyway.

To be honest, math had gotten a little tedious. Pages laden with triple-digit addition and subtraction problems do not fly by as it is, but adding in time for fixing careless errors had both of us a little frustrated. But, I tried really hard not to force my way. Instead, I continued giving him small reminders of how much easier it would be when he learned the proper process (most importantly, working the problem from right to left rather than the opposite). And one day . . . this past Monday, in fact . . . it finally worked. Something clicked, and he proceeded to tear through several workbook pages in record time with record accuracy. And he felt great about it.

Any learning breakthrough is a happy moment, but this one made me reflect on more than just being grateful for the flexibility to let him get there at his own pace. It made me realize that, when I was in school, all that mattered was getting the correct answers - when called on in class, on an exam or on standardized tests. But what I've learned in all the years since - the years that, in my opinion. have provided my "real" education - is that more times than not, the process is at least as important than the result.

Thankful Thursday - It's a Great Day!

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

Maybe it's the season, but there is so much to be thankful for these days, and our schooling is no exception. I'm thankful that I've become flexible enough to put aside the plans I had for the classroom this morning because Noah really wants to keep working on his division on IXL. I'm thankful that we're sneaking out early to visit the pumpkin patch and that my hubby is taking us to lunch. This afternoon we'll head to co-op, where I'm always grateful to have someone else teaching science! And I'm (almost) always thankful for the opportunity to homeschool my kids. How else would I get to have such a fun day???

Thankful Thursday - Love of Learning

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

Don't hold me to this, but I think I'm teetering on the edge of unschooling - and I like it. I'm still not sure why I'm resisting at all, other than that its free-flowing nature goes against the structure-loving side of me. At the start of our homeschooling journey, it just didn't seem like it was for me. But the further along we get, the more I'm taken with its appeal.

Perhaps it's that in observing my kids learn, I actually get to see and measure the true value of real-life experiences . . . of learning about what they're interested in on their own timeline. It's so much more than they ever get from a workbook!

Noah can tell me about the intricate workings of a car engine, diagram the internal organs of the human body and grow tomatoes from seed - all because he wanted to learn those things. But if I asked him today, I doubt he would remember what a homonym is. And if truth be told, I really don't know that I'd ever seen the word "homonym" before we started language arts last year - and I certainly don't feel that it's held me back in life.

This week, I blew off an entire morning's curriculum because he was engrossed in rebuilding his model solar car. It didn't work when he built it according to the instructions, but he was determined to figure it out. With no guidance (hey, what do I know about building cars???), he not only made it work, but also reconfigured it into both front- and all-wheel drive options just for kicks. Somehow, the process behind that project seems much more valuable than learning the state capital of Wisconsin (something that, again, I've gotten along without all these years).

On Tuesday, we had a wonderful day - art class at the museum, lunch with friends for which we brought some math/reading games, playtime at the park and Odyssey practice. It was so nice that I thought it would be hard to top. But I have to say that Wednesday was equally nice in an entirely different way - a quiet day at home filled with child-led learning. Noah built his car, Ava and I read books, we did a little math and reading on our ocean unit and watched the Deep Sea DVD.

And speaking of Ava, she's reaping the rewards of progressing at her own pace. All of a sudden, she is ready to learn, and I'm so relieved that I didn't force it on her earlier (like my schedule-loving self really wanted to do). She's sounding out words, reading her Bob books, writing deliberately (as in, anything more than a scribble!) and understanding numbers. It's been an amazing few weeks watching her take these giant leaps forward.

It was probably the middle of last school year when I realized that unschooling would probably be a great approach for Noah, but I was concerned that Ava needed more structure. In hindsight, I think she just needed more time.

I suppose there's no reason to put a label on our schooling style, so I won't. After all, the only certainly I know is that things are bound to change! But today I am thankful for the wonderful homeschooling mama's who have shared with me over the years - both in person and through their blogs - to provide me the info I needed to keep my mind open to a less structured approach. I think the kids and I will all be happier - and learn more - because of it!

Thankful Thursday - Learning with Friends

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

 

One day this week, we were lucky enough to join some friends for a production of Pippi Longstockings, followed by playtime and lunch. From there, we drove right to Odyssey of the Mind practice with several other friends. On the drive there, Noah asked me "When are we ever going to see our friends again?"


What he meant of course, was when was he going to have friends over to his house just to play, but it did give me the opportunity to point out to him how lucky he was to get to see his friends during the week at school events. After all, if he were in school, most of his friends would probably go to different schools and it would be hard to find time to see them.


For me, it made me very thankful for the unique opportunity homeschooling provides to form lasting friendships - both for myself and for my children. I love watching the kids interact on their own, but I appreciate that there are always parents nearby to guide them in properly resolving any issues or conflicts. What an important skill to learn from a parent rather than solely from other kids. I like to imagine that they will be kinder and more empathetic from the experience.

Thankful Thursday - Another (Finally!) Eager Learner

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

 

I love that my past few Thankful Thursday posts have been about my little girl. It's easy to get caught up in all the amazing learning the oldest is doing, but somehow, the second time around, even the greatest of feats seem a little less novel. Add to that the fact that she's not as enthusiastic of a learner and can't be pushed, and sometimes I really do spend more time focusing on Noah.

 

But something has happened with Ava recently. Maybe it's her age, or perhaps it's the consistency of being back in the classroom for a few weeks now.  Whatever the cause, I'm seeing an openness to learning that has never been there before. She's always eager for school, and I'm seeing a more positive attitude emerge. I think a lot of her previous negativity was based in self-doubt (and the frustration that her brother was always 2 1/2 years "ahead" of her), and I'm hoping that was mainly a phase that is on its way out. 

 

I've spent the past year alternating between worrying that she wasn't doing what Noah was doing at her age (reading, writing, etc.) and reminding myself that all kids are different. In hindsight, I think my real worry was that she didn't seem to want to learn. Maybe this was a way of differentiating herself from him, but in any case, I'm thankful that it seems to have passed - and that homeschooling afforded us the flexibility to let her progress at her own pace. 

 

Thankful Thursday - Me and My Girl

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

 

Seems like it's usually my boy that I'm blogging about, which of course makes me feel guilty as only a mother can feel. He'll always be two years older and two years "ahead", and I think she gets frustrated knowing that. 

 

In addition to the age difference, my two have wildly different personalities. Noah is very confident; it's never occurred to him that he might not be the very best at everything in the world. Ava, on the other hand, is very hard on herself and full of self-doubt. It's hard to watch, and even harder wondering if those are habits she picked up from me (more mama guilt there).

 

As a result, she tends to hold back in the classroom, not trying things for fear that she won't do it right. It's hard not to push, but I really try to let her move forward at her own pace - and every once in a while we have a breakthrough. Lately I've noticed her being discouraged with drawing, which to her is pretty much still scribbling at this point. When she wants to draw something specific, she'll tell me she doesn't know how and ask me to draw it for her.

 

The other day we were playing in her room with a magnadoodle book that showed in 3-4 steps how to draw a variety of things. I picked it up, started talking about how I had no idea how to draw an umbrella (cupcake, bird, etc.) and how I was so glad to have a book to show me how to do it. She was excited to watch me draw and turned the pages for me . . . and when we were done, she eagerly grabbed the book away and declared it her turn. 

 

Not only did she enjoy recreating each picture step by step, but it's the first time I've seen her draw something with any intent behind it - and something I could recognize! I think seeing me work through the process made her realize that it's okay to try things even when you don't know where to start - and let her know that I'm always with her every step of the way!

Thankful Thursday - Please (Please!!!) Share

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

 

I'm coming up dry today, so somebody please inspire me. Our first week has been rocky, and I'm not feeling terribly thankful today (cranky and irritable - yes; thankful - not so much). I'm hoping hearing some of your highlights will help pull me out of my funk. Anyone???

Thankful Thursday - Learning All the Time

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

 

Seems like forever since we've spent time in the classroom, and extending our vacation has delayed our official start to school until next week. But today I am thankful that with homeschooling - whether we are in the classroom or not - my kids are always learning.

This summer, the kids participated in a 4th of July play and learned an amazing amount about US history. They know the words to many patriotic songs, the history leading up to our fight for independence and even what the colors of the American flag symbolize. From our recent trip to DC, Noah can tell you the height of the Washington Monument and why there's a slight color variation in the stone, and Ava knows (and plans to take advantage of) the process for requesting an American flag that's been flown over the Capital.

Even outside of organized activities, our choice to homeschool puts us in the mindset of always looking for opportunities to learn. One evening this summer, while driving in the car, Noah asked about negative numbers - something we hadn't touched on yet in math. I gave him a quick explanation, and a few nights later at dinner, he randomly came out with "1 - 2 = -1" then "2 - 7 = -5" and finally "100 - 300 = -200". Guess we didn't need a classroom for that!

When we finished our official school year in May, Ava had been struggling a bit with number recognition. This summer, she easily learned to count to 100 during her martial arts classes. I'm not sure if it was the repetition, the group setting or the physical activity that made it stick for her, but I plan to experiment with all three during our classroom time this fall. I've also been doing some basic math with her while driving around in the car such as 1 + 1 = 2 (which Noah then informed me could also be said as 1 + 2 - 1 = 2) and 5 + 5 = 10 (to which Noah proposed (5 + 15 - 10 = 10).

Over the past year, I've seen the kids take giant leaps forward in comprehension when we take breaks in the classroom, and that's why we're sticking with our December and summer breaks for now. But of course, a "break" for us is never a break from learning! I'm so thankful that homeschooling has conditioned me to recognize and act on how - and when - my kids learn best.

Thankful Thursday - Learning Vacations

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

 

Our official start to the school year is always a few weeks later than most Florida kids typically head back to school. And even though I'm firmly set on waiting until after Labor Day to start back with our classroom time, I always have at least a little twinge of feeling like I'm slightly behind.

Perhaps I remember my own school days not starting until September, or maybe I'm just protesting the end of summer . . . either way, the timing just feels right for us - especially since we like to take a vacation right around Labor Day when the crowds are lighter and so many are already back in school.

This year, we are visiting my aunt and uncle at their beautiful, peaceful home in Virginia. The kids are enjoying visiting and playing with them, and I am enjoying some much-needed "Mommy time off" before we start back with school next week. Yesterday, we drove into DC and visited the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial . . . and we may venture back there today (thanks to Schoolhouse Rock, the kids were begging to go to Capital Hill!)

Today, I am very thankful for the flexibility that homeschooling allows in our lives - the ability to travel whenever we want, to spend time with family and to experience a place as historic as Washington DC by walking its streets rather than just turning the pages of a textbook . . . all before our official "school" year even starts.

Thankful Thursday - Eager to Learn

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a big planner. I love the idea of sorting through endless options and deciding exactly what I want to do. However, as much as I've enjoyed planning our upcoming school year, I'm ready to be done planning and start teaching!

But as ready as I am to get started, Noah literally cannot wait. He's been busting into curriculum since it began arriving - sometimes for a sneak preview and other times to actually do some work. Since it seems silly to make him wait until the official start of our school year, I've been letting him explore whatever he wants.

Of course, his eagerness to start may have something to do with the fact that we're studying cars . . . and that was my "aha!" moment for this week. This is what homeschooling is all about for me - presenting learning opportunities that capitalize on my kids' interests. And it was exciting to see it actually working.

Yesterday, he sat down for hours to read from a book on how cars work that was written for teens and adults - not because he had a reading assignment, but because he was interested in the topic and wanted to learn more. And yet I remember assigned reading in school being such a chore - something I could get through to pass the test or write the essay without taking away any significant learning experience.

Instead of teaching science, history, math and language arts topics that someone else has designated as appropriate for a second-grader, we'll be learning about the history of the automobile, the effect of cars on the environment and alternative fuel sources while calculating travel time (based on MPH) and fuel costs (based on MPG) of traveling to our favorite destinations - plus, of course, whatever else he decides he wants to learn about them.

So today I am thankful for several things. I am grateful for Noah to have an experience that is fostering his love of learning . . . and I'm especially thankful to have the opportunity to facilitate it.

Thankful Thursday - The Joy of Homeschooling

Ever get struck in the middle of a crazy, hectic day by overwhelming wave of gratitude for being able to share a special moment with your kids? Well, that’s what Thankful Thursday is all about. Each week, I’ll aim to share a special moment that I would have missed had my kids been away at school . . . and I’m counting on all of you to share yours, too. It will give us something to reflect on during those other six crazy, hectic days!

When Jim and I decided to start a family, it was pretty much a given that I would stay home with the kids. To be honest, I didn't like having a job before I had a baby so I was pretty certain I wouldn't want to return to one afterward. Now before you start thinking I'm lazy, let me remind you that I'm still the same girl who's been up until 2AM the past few nights finishing the cars lapbook!!! I enjoy work - on my terms - it's just having a "job" that's not my thing.

I'm going to level with you here and admit that I've been complaining (my nice word for it) a lot lately about all the things I have to do and how little time in which I have to do them. As always, let me preface this by saying that I'm immensely thankful for my jobs - especially the fact that I can do them at 2AM so I can be with my kids all day - but sometimes they add up to too much. And when I'm overwhelmed with work (and since I'm being honest, usually when the hormones are kicking in), I tend to do a little dramatic spiel questioning how I'm supposed to balance my jobs as a technical writer, resume writer, translation coordinator, mother and teacher in just 24 hours a day (and that's assuming I don't want to sleep!)

It was during one of these little tirades that something about that thought didn't sit right with me - and it seems even more absurd now that I see it in writing.  

When had "mother/teacher" slipped from being a privilege and a joy to being another "job" in my long, tiresome list? When had it become another thing I needed to "get through" each day? And how had I not noticed this sooner???

I've spent the past few weeks reconnecting with those roles, and it's brought me to a place of being truly thankful to have them. Of course, I've always expressed gratitude for them, but I'm not sure my actions always backed up my words.

This year, I'm aiming to make school something I experience with the kids rather than something I plan for them. How many parents are lucky enough to watch their children learn every day? To see what interests them and watch passions develop? To identify challenges and help them overcome them? What a truly amazing gift for both a child and a mom. Is homeschooling "work"? Yes. But is it a "job"? For me, the answer is now "no". It is a privilege that makes all the other jobs worthwhile.
 
This week seemed to be the official start of school in our area, and I've spent my week watching adorable "first day" pictures pop up on Facebook. It was so fun to see moms and kids alike thrilled that school was back in session, and it's great that it works for so many people . . . but when I closed my eyes and imagined that it was my kids walking off towards the bus stop with their little backpacks on, I got tears in my eyes.

Maybe it's selfish, but I just couldn't do it . . . I couldn't miss an entire day of their lives. It's already going by too quickly, and I want to be there to cherish every moment. And I'm so thankful that I can.