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January 23, 2008
Edumacation
So we're back in the saddle again with school. And to be honest, we're wayyyyy behind. We got set back with this move- and we'll definitely have to go into the summer to finish up all the material for the year. But-- I'm pumped! I set up the school/play room yesterday, and it looks so great! I finally have space to display all my charts and posters and things- and it's so cheerful and organized. The kids are loving it. I've even got an area for the little ones right beside the window- with a shelf full of fun books and a basket of toys. I've hung up the spare blackboard so they can draw on it, and there is a rocking chair for those moments when I can wrangle their squirmy selves into a snuggle. There are Bible verses on the walls, happy posters of songs and Bible stories, weather and vowel charts, etc. It's a huge, comfy room, and everyone really seems to be enjoying it. I look forward to being in there much more than at the dining room table.
Czarina is doing fine- we're starting cursive writing this month, which, to be honest, I'm not all that crazy about. I struggle teaching new concepts. I mean, I do fine if I'm building on something, but a totally new thing sometimes baffles me. Which is why I'm a little squirrely with HeroBoy's lessons. I just don't know where to start! Even after doing this for half a year, I still haven't gotten "the groove" with his curriculum. I got to skip this part with Czarina because she attended a private pre-k and kindergarten. I just had to pick up where she left off when we started homeschooling. But HeroBoy... well, it's a whole new ballgame with him. And bless his heart, he's eager, but it's still a little over his head. So, yeah... we're doing a lot of matching, patterns, shapes and colors and stuff, but not a whole lot of phonics and numbers. Which I'm feeling rather guilty about. I really want to make sure all they are all on par, and I think I need to up the game with HeroBoy.
I do not
DO NOT
ABSOLUTELY DO NOT
want to mess up with their education. I know lots of adults who were homeschooled as children and they way surpassed my own public school education. They are successful, intelligent, socialized, and cultured individuals. But I also know a few who slipped through the cracks and don't know the difference between "there" and "their" and that scares me. I know that sounds a little pretentious, but it irks me, and I don't want my kids to end up grammatically impaired. I misspell the occasional word, dear reader- that's no secret, (as my Cousin so thoughtfully points out), but I have a basic grasp of the language, and the desire to spell correctly when I'm publicly humiliated lovingly encouraged. (ha)
Anyway... that's all that. Just thought I'd post an update on schoolin', since inquiring minds want to know and all that. Ideas, encouragements, admonitions, and spelling corrections welcome, as usual.
Teaching at the Table | By WonderGirl | 10:50 AM
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Comments
"and don't know the difference between 'there' and 'their' and that scares me" LOL Don't forget "they're." I think that one's abused beyond all reason.
I'm envious of your school/play room. Pictures?
Posted by: Emily at January 23, 2008 11:57 AM
That is a shame--subjecting WonderGirl to public humiliation over the occasional misspelled word. Who would do such a thing?
Posted by: Cousin at January 23, 2008 1:17 PM
I second that emotion on pictures of the play/schoolroom. It sounds so fun. Also, I have a fear of teaching my 7 year old cursive....yikes!
Posted by: Jonesey at January 23, 2008 1:20 PM
Don't worry about HeroBoy. I totally understand where you are coming from, but do not push it. When he is ready you will know and he will fly so fast and strong it will surprise you.
OH, and I can not stand it when "then" and "than" are not only over used, but used instead of the other one. example: this is bigger then that one. ggrrrrrr.
Posted by: SmockLady at January 23, 2008 2:33 PM
If they have just a little of their mother's gift of writing, they'll do fine! Seriously.
Posted by: lori at January 23, 2008 9:35 PM
Okay, this is meant to encourage you -
Czarina - part of the beauty of homeschooling is the schedule that works for you. So, if it is July, and you are still wrapping up this school year, it is totally fine. At least you won't have a big gap where she is doing nothing and forgets skills from this year.
HeroBoy - James Dobson has said that until about age 7, if you do nothing else (not advocating this) with your child, but keep him with you during your daily activities, he will learn everything that he needs. Also, do NOT compare boys to girls :)
Posted by: Meghan at January 24, 2008 7:58 AM
The advice NOT to compare boys with girls...is right on....boys are going to be slower but they pick up the pace after a certain age....which is individual...and don't stand in their way...cause they will move move move then......can you believe that mine are now...15 and 18....and I have you and Ashley to thank for giving me some moments of sanity and 'grown up' time....hang in there!..you are doing it right!
pg
Posted by: Patti at January 25, 2008 3:38 PM
I have that fear of messing up Fuller's education. It just hangs over my head whenever we talk about it. We are committed to homeschool at least until second grade.
As for cursive handwriting, my handwriting greatly improved when I was hometaught and my mom introduced me to calligraphy. I realized it was a lot like drawing. (My mom was/ is a professional calligraphist.)
Posted by: alli at January 28, 2008 11:00 AM
