We had our first "official" day of homeschooling today. We have gradually been easing into it the last couple of months... going through some reading and math review a few times a week. But I knew for my own comfort, as well as Bella's, we needed a loose schedule to follow. She loves a schedule. :) She comes by that honestly. She thrives under clear expectations and laid out plans. So last night, I told her that we were going to have a real school day the next day and explained to her what that would look like. So what
did that look like?
My day goes much smoother when I get up before the kids. I got up at 6:00am, showered, got dressed, made the bed, made my coffee, and settled on the couch for scripture reading and prayer time. I wrote down some of my thoughts... today was an act of faith, a call to obedience, a new chapter. I thanked God for his faith in me and this opportunity to serve Him. And then I begged him to bring us through the day alive and still loving each other. :) I got breakfast on the table, and then I went and woke up Bella and Jack at 8:00. They are not early risers, but they woke up easier than I expected. Blessing #1.
* Max has been sick, so he was still sleeping.
The three of us sat down for breakfast, prayed for the day, and had a short Bible reading. A sweet friend gave us a book that has wonderful 5 minute Bible stories that the kids love. While we were still at the table, we did calendar time (identifying the month, day, and year), as well as, going over the days of the week and months of the year. I have two songs on my youtube favorites list that sing the days of the week and months of the year. The kids loved them, so we listened to them several times.
We then got their clothes and shoes on and headed out for a quick 15 minute walk/bike ride. I decided that as long as the weather permits, we are going to do this every morning. I think it will be good for them to burn some of their morning energy before we are confined to the kitchen table. They of course fought over who was going to be in front on the sidewalk, so they ended up having to take turns. They are so competitive, those two.
Bella and I were sitting at the table ready to start Reading by 9:00. I've thought and researched a lot about what to do with Jack while Bella and I are doing school. He is such an energetic little boy, and if this blasted heat would subside, I know he would be happy playing for hours in the backyard. I had decided that I would let him be as involved in our school as he wanted to be. For example, if he's hanging around the table wanting to participate, I will have something for him to do. If he wants to play in his room or outside, that is more than okay as well. He did a little of both today. He sang our letter sound songs with us (he loves singing), and then I gave him some activities to do at the table while Bella and I continued to work.
 |
| Sorting blocks by color |
 |
| Sorting foam pieces by shape |
I decided to implement the color card system just during school time. I needed a reward/consequence system that wouldn't interrupt the flow of what we were doing. For example, time out would require a long 'pause' in the middle of what we are working on. I needed something that was understood by both of them, was quick to implement, and was effective. So I made these...
Behind the green card, is a yellow card, and behind the yellow card, is a red card. They both start out at the beginning of the day with green. Reasons for getting their card moved might include bad attitudes, having to tell them something more than once, disobedience... again, I only use this during school time. So for example, I had to ask Bella to get a pencil out 3 times, so I changed her card to yellow. It was quick, she knew what it meant, and she was motivated to earn her green card back. So what are the card rules? Green means good choices are being made, yellow is a warning card, or as we call it, the
grace card. Red means there will be a consequence (spanking, no t.v., early bedtime). When they are on yellow, they are able to earn back their green card (acts of kindness, selflessness, grace to others, hard work... basically extra effort acts.) Bella responded really well to this system today. She earned her green card back by offering to let Jack go first during a reading game we were playing.
p.s. I found Jack's card on red this evening. No doubt the handy work of Bella.
After working on Reading for about an hour and a half, we were all in need of a break. Bella and Jack went off to play in their rooms, and I emptied the dishwasher, swept the kitchen, and re-grouped. Bella has made it very clear that she wants art time, music time, recess, and p.e. worked into the day. :) So, I started them on an "apple craft" in honor of the start of school while I started making lunches.
Baby Max was doing a little of this...
and a little of that...
during all of this. He as also napping about half way through the morning.
We ate lunch, and then had "wiggle to the music" time.
I read them both stories, and then put Jack down for rest time. Bella and I then started on Math. The math curriculum I am using is awesome, but it requires a lot of concentration on my part, as well as, Bella's. It uses mainly manipulatives (very little book work), so I really need the boys resting while we work on it. We spent about 45 minutes on it, and she worked on it with a great attitude and stayed focused. So, she earned herself an hour of ipad time during rest time. :) I went in to check on her, and this is what I found...
 |
| Worn out little girl |
Today went so smoothly, with only a few minor bumps (such as Jack crumbling his entire chocolate cupcake on the ground)... for that I am so grateful. I am not naive to think *everyday will be this smooth, but I am praising God for TODAY, and I count it as a day of endless blessings.
* when I say
everyday, I mean every school day. We have commitments and activities each week that will only allow us to have days like today about 3 times a week. I'll have to find ways squeeze school into our busier days. And some days, like this Friday, we just don't have school at all because more important things come up, like our cousins coming into town!
On our walk this evening, I took a picture of this...
And it reminded me of the verse I read this morning out of Psalms...
Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures
forever.
Praise the Lord.
Psalms 117
