I love Christmas time, and this year it has really helped to say "okay we are on vacation!" however I find with my kiddos they still need the daily reminder to do the daily things (laundry, dishes, etc) somehow they think all that is part of school???? no, no, no...that is part of life here my little friends! So off we go to clean up the kitchen...who's gingerbread houses are these anyway?
PS I am eating graham crackers and frosting!!!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas "Break?"
Fellow Homeschoolers:
Are you finding it difficult to get to all your daily school tasks? This is one of those time of the year when I believe we need to relax a bit as homeschoolers. Do you realize that IN the schools, each day is becoming a chore as they are literally counting down the days until Christmas vacation? Can you imagine the work they actually accomplish there these days? I know my friends in the P.S. arena are frazzled. Kids are bouncing off the walls and ceilings, everyone is in varying stages of sickness--"gettin' it, got it, gettin' over it." Really, what is the point? Mostly, babysitting, methinks.
At our household we've been very involved in a Christmas program: memorizing parts, practicing singing, making costumes (i use the term 'making' very lightly), baking for the dessert afterwards, TRYING to stay healthy so we could actually participate. The kids daily did some of their work and we read a bit (when my throat could withstand it) but I refused to hold hard and fast to the normal schedule. You can't imagine what a relief that has been. I've reminded myself, this is why we 'school' year-round. For these very times.
It also comes on the tail of what I find happens EVERY YEAR amongst my homeschool friends: fall burnout. You know, that time when you get so frustrated, throw up your hands and declare, I MUST TRY OUT A NEW CURRICULUM! I'm convinced it is not the curriculum! We do this every fall and spring, my friends. We just get so excited to start anew in September and then again after all the November-thru-January holidays (!) that we fizzle after a month or two. This is when we need to just SCALE back for a week or two.
This is also a good time to remember test scores from the last testing period. Didn't they meet or exceed your expectations? If so, take a deep breath. Relax. Don't give up. Take a moment to cuddle up and read to your kiddos. (You should always be in the midst of a great read-aloud anyway!) Do some Christmas baking WITH your kids (teaching them measuring and math and home-making) while listening to Christmas music and take samplings to your neighbors. Buy some cheap mugs or Christmas plates and laden them w/ yummies for Sunday school teacher thank you gifts. Go sing a Christmas carol to the grandparents while presenting them w/ a small (doesn't have to be huge) plate of goodies.
Spread the Reason for the season. In a relaxed way...don't stress you and your children out! Enjoy!
In Him....
Are you finding it difficult to get to all your daily school tasks? This is one of those time of the year when I believe we need to relax a bit as homeschoolers. Do you realize that IN the schools, each day is becoming a chore as they are literally counting down the days until Christmas vacation? Can you imagine the work they actually accomplish there these days? I know my friends in the P.S. arena are frazzled. Kids are bouncing off the walls and ceilings, everyone is in varying stages of sickness--"gettin' it, got it, gettin' over it." Really, what is the point? Mostly, babysitting, methinks.
At our household we've been very involved in a Christmas program: memorizing parts, practicing singing, making costumes (i use the term 'making' very lightly), baking for the dessert afterwards, TRYING to stay healthy so we could actually participate. The kids daily did some of their work and we read a bit (when my throat could withstand it) but I refused to hold hard and fast to the normal schedule. You can't imagine what a relief that has been. I've reminded myself, this is why we 'school' year-round. For these very times.
It also comes on the tail of what I find happens EVERY YEAR amongst my homeschool friends: fall burnout. You know, that time when you get so frustrated, throw up your hands and declare, I MUST TRY OUT A NEW CURRICULUM! I'm convinced it is not the curriculum! We do this every fall and spring, my friends. We just get so excited to start anew in September and then again after all the November-thru-January holidays (!) that we fizzle after a month or two. This is when we need to just SCALE back for a week or two.
This is also a good time to remember test scores from the last testing period. Didn't they meet or exceed your expectations? If so, take a deep breath. Relax. Don't give up. Take a moment to cuddle up and read to your kiddos. (You should always be in the midst of a great read-aloud anyway!) Do some Christmas baking WITH your kids (teaching them measuring and math and home-making) while listening to Christmas music and take samplings to your neighbors. Buy some cheap mugs or Christmas plates and laden them w/ yummies for Sunday school teacher thank you gifts. Go sing a Christmas carol to the grandparents while presenting them w/ a small (doesn't have to be huge) plate of goodies.
Spread the Reason for the season. In a relaxed way...don't stress you and your children out! Enjoy!
In Him....
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Let's try this
Okay, Katie and I were talking and thought this might be a fun way to share that info that we come across and want to tell our fellow homeschoolers about. It doesn't have to be about homeschooling, just anything that you find helpful and want to share. If you are interested leave a comment and I will know who to add to the list of people who can post things.
Happy Homeschooling!
Jen
Happy Homeschooling!
Jen
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