Before our Christmas break, the boys were starting to be less content with our current structure of school. At first I chalked it up to the pre-holiday brain mush that happens to kids. After returning to our routine, I realized that it may be the way we are doing things. They seemed to feel school was a chore, rather than a fun and exciting experience. We were sort of following a traditional school environment, just in the home. We hit up several subjects for a short time during one school day. The boys seemed stressed by the long list in my plan book. I decided to try things a little differently today. We did some core subjects (reading, math, writing for Trevor because he is still learning letter formation). Then we took about 4 hours and devoted it just to science. We did both levels, K-1 for Trevor and grade 4 for Nathan. Part of the time was spent reading aloud. Nathan helped Trevor read words that are still new to him. We completed experiments with magnets (K-1) and potential and kinetic energy (grade 4). They drew pictures or wrote sentences to document their results. To conclude the day, they both practiced their instruments, and exercised, a daily requirement at the Ashby Academy. I think the day went better. I know the boys enjoyed themselves. School was "fun" according to Nathan. He even gave me a hug for the change.
Yoda Corner
Do or do not.
There is no try.
- I changed our format of school. It was a success!
- I did slow kicks and push-ups with Nathan.
- I practiced my karate techniques.
- I did a 30 minute run-down on the treadmill.
- I attended karate class.
- I went grocery shopping and did not buy any sweets.
- I made the kids realize that we are serious about the no-sweets in our house (expect once in a while). They started to choose fruit on their own.
May the force be with you.
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