I realize day 3 of a career of homeschooling might seem pointless to write about, but (just as I journaled about the first days after Jason was born) I know I'll eventually want to look back and see how we transitioned at the beginning of this process.
So far, things are going really well. With Ryan, that is. I've noticed Kaylin trying to get attention a little more than usual and Jason, for sure, is testing me daily. His game of choice is partial obedience. When I ask him to stand up (to get him out of his crib, specifically) he'll get up on one bended knee, like a man proposing to his girlfriend. When I ask him to stop banging his fork on the table, he does it a little more gently. When I ask him to give something to Ryan, he puts it on the table nearby. When I ask him to say, "Yes, Mommy," he says, "Yes, Daddy" or "Yes, coo-coo" is his newest favorite. When I remind him to stay on the green blanket during our learning time, he stands up and puts one foot off the blanket onto the carpet.
He is exhausting.
I think he can sense the changes that are happening. In fact, now that I think about it, I'm quite sure he's demanding a certain element of control in his life, since he's not sure what's changing and why. Hmmm...I might need to give him more control than usual...
The big kids, however, are suddenly extremely helpful. They are really stepping up and loving new responsibilities. Ryan loves taking Kaylin to the bus stop after lunch. Kaylin loves being in charge of her little brother during my one-on-one time with Ryan. They've both slipped right back into our summer morning routine of "chores before free time," getting everything done that is asked of them and still coming back to say, "What next, Mom?" So there's pros and cons this week, I guess.
I got some of my curriculum in the mail last night and realized that most of the books I purchased are pretty far below Ryan's knowledge level. When I saw, "Say the letters C-A-T...what does that spell? Trace the letters on your paper with your finger..." I was worried. Ryan's so far beyond that...he's reading chapter books! He can certainly spell cat! These books are perfect for Kaylin.
But I am following the advice of a trusted friend and we've decided to plow through all of the {seemingly} entry level business to make sure all of our bases are covered before throwing Ryan into more advanced material. Today, we went through two week's worth of spelling lessons in 20 minutes which, if nothing else, were a huge confidence builder for my son. We'll cruise through book A for the rest of this year, then probably begin book B in January, but at least I'll have the flexibility to slow down if a certain concept or spelling rule didn't sink in during his time at public school.
One thing that's working really well for us is our letter/sound flashcards. I went over these with the kids during the summer, but when we were reviewing them yesterday, I heard a little voice say, "Jason's turn!" All three kids were on the couch as I said, "Jason, what letter is this?" then "...and Kaylin, what sound does it make?" and "Ryan, can you tell me a word that ends with this sound?"
It. was. awesome. ALL of the kids were engaged and loved interacting at their own level. In the meantime, Jason will begin hearing the letter sounds, Kaylin will begin hearing how the sounds work into words and Ryan is learning the grammar rules that go along with each sound or letter combination.
Seriously, I'm already loving this decision.
So far, things are going really well. With Ryan, that is. I've noticed Kaylin trying to get attention a little more than usual and Jason, for sure, is testing me daily. His game of choice is partial obedience. When I ask him to stand up (to get him out of his crib, specifically) he'll get up on one bended knee, like a man proposing to his girlfriend. When I ask him to stop banging his fork on the table, he does it a little more gently. When I ask him to give something to Ryan, he puts it on the table nearby. When I ask him to say, "Yes, Mommy," he says, "Yes, Daddy" or "Yes, coo-coo" is his newest favorite. When I remind him to stay on the green blanket during our learning time, he stands up and puts one foot off the blanket onto the carpet.
He is exhausting.
I think he can sense the changes that are happening. In fact, now that I think about it, I'm quite sure he's demanding a certain element of control in his life, since he's not sure what's changing and why. Hmmm...I might need to give him more control than usual...
The big kids, however, are suddenly extremely helpful. They are really stepping up and loving new responsibilities. Ryan loves taking Kaylin to the bus stop after lunch. Kaylin loves being in charge of her little brother during my one-on-one time with Ryan. They've both slipped right back into our summer morning routine of "chores before free time," getting everything done that is asked of them and still coming back to say, "What next, Mom?" So there's pros and cons this week, I guess.
I got some of my curriculum in the mail last night and realized that most of the books I purchased are pretty far below Ryan's knowledge level. When I saw, "Say the letters C-A-T...what does that spell? Trace the letters on your paper with your finger..." I was worried. Ryan's so far beyond that...he's reading chapter books! He can certainly spell cat! These books are perfect for Kaylin.
But I am following the advice of a trusted friend and we've decided to plow through all of the {seemingly} entry level business to make sure all of our bases are covered before throwing Ryan into more advanced material. Today, we went through two week's worth of spelling lessons in 20 minutes which, if nothing else, were a huge confidence builder for my son. We'll cruise through book A for the rest of this year, then probably begin book B in January, but at least I'll have the flexibility to slow down if a certain concept or spelling rule didn't sink in during his time at public school.
One thing that's working really well for us is our letter/sound flashcards. I went over these with the kids during the summer, but when we were reviewing them yesterday, I heard a little voice say, "Jason's turn!" All three kids were on the couch as I said, "Jason, what letter is this?" then "...and Kaylin, what sound does it make?" and "Ryan, can you tell me a word that ends with this sound?"
Seriously, I'm already loving this decision.
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3 comments:
Sounds like you are off to a great start already. I have been so behind on my blog reading; I missed a lot! Good luck with it. It's a huge step, but you are prepared for it. Have fun!
I'm sure I've told you, but here in Holland kids spend their first two years of school in the same classroom with the same teacher (i.e. pre-school and kindergarten combined). The children are divided into different groups by ability levels which roughly follow ages. So, like your time on the couch, the children follow the same lesson but to different ability levels.
The big reason they keep kids of this age together is because they use the different ages themselves as teaching/learning experiences. The older children help the younger ones getting their coats on when it's time for recess, the younger children ask the older ones to explain their games, etc. This way, the children learn social skills and vital interaction/teamwork skills so that they can work comfortably on all sides of a project.
Are you familiar with the old saying 'See one, do one, teach one'? It's the philosophy that you observe something the first time, do it yourself the next, and teach it to someone else the third time. Sounds like your household of varying ages would work perfectly for that kind of approach!
Just an idea, from a mom who's witnessed first-hand the amazing benefits of this system. I'm so glad you're loving your homeschooling life so far!
xoxoxoxoxoox
Sounds like you are doing pretty good. I also homeschool through the k12 program, but took my son out for a few months because he wanted to play football for the regular school. Unfortuanaly we are back to sqaure one because the public school system is just not up to par here in Georgia. I dont mind though and actually prefer it, I was just letting him see for hisself. Hopefully we can keep in touch and share ideas.
Lynne Harrison
http://www.affiliateuphoria.com/
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