It has been difficult to keep up with the blog because I've been kind of discouraged these past few weeks. Today was a good day though so I thought it would be a good day to post.
My wonderful friend Kelly has been giving me lots of encouragement as I pour my stress on to her. I seem to have to keep coming up with new strategies for Jeremy and I'm hoping today's effort will be it. Last week I tried to do each subject for 45 minutes with a total of 4 time periods to equal our 3 hours. That worked well on Wednesday half way thru Thursday. Friday, not so much. After talking to Kelly, today we tried to do 20 minute increments including piano/recorder, art, a 5-minute break and a walk around the block. We were done by 12:30. And....he was happy.
Last Friday, I was ready to deposit him into the middle of his classroom by 10:00am. All weekend I've been thinking that he'll be going back to school. He still may but I'm just thankful to know that we have the ability to work together. I don't want our relationship to break because we're trying to do something good and effective for his learning.
I have no idea what will transpire for next year. I just know that today was a good day and maybe Christ will come back before then so why worry? : ) I love my kids and want nothing but good for them. Abby has the world at her fingertips. I have to remind myself to praise her because 99% of everything she does is awesome but we expect her to be awesome because of how consisitent she is. We just forget to praise her because we're almost numb to how amazing she is. She is so talented in writing, art and music and now she's really excelling in running and I have to remember to pat that one on the back. We praise Jeremy for the least little thing that he does well because we are constantly looking for something to praise him for. That has to be confusing, if not irritating, for Abby.
It's hard being a mom. It's hard to call the shots and be in charge of the lives of children who will one day be adults knowing that they will remember certain details about their upbringing that will shape how they will view themselves and the world. I can easily drive myself crazy with that kind of outlook/pressure. There are so many things I need to thank my mom and dad individually for. Things I didn't understand when I was a kid. Unaware of the sacrifices they were making for me to be the person I am now. I don't think we understand until we are making sacrifices for our own children.
I didn't really understand love until I had Abby and again with Jeremy. The minute I held her, I got it. I totally understood earthly love. I understood be willing to die for someone else. I can't imagine God's love for me because I would never be able to sacrifice my child for anyone else. Especially filthy, vile people like us. But I did understand what it meant to give yourself and sacrifce your life for someone else. I went from selfish and probably spoiled to a caretaker of my God-sent gifts. What a pleasure that is.
I know my kids will never understand our sacrifices for them until they have their own children. It's an enlightning experience. When people question my willingness to homeschool Jeremy at this time, I have to internalize my feelings knowing that they don't understand why. Some people homeschool for religious reasons, some academic, some for family time. I'm homeschooling just to give my kid a chance. I want him to have every opportunity everyone else will have. Praying he will have some confidence in himself and continue to gain new skills.
I can say today, we did the right thing. I just hate that we'll have to make the decision again!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Structure is a good thing....
Doesn't sound great but the kids and I got to go to the dentist! Haven't been able to go for a year and half since we were without insurance. Was so happy to get the x-rays and the scraping and the news of no cavities for any of us. However, the appointment was at 10:45. So, when it comes to Jeremy and homeschooing, I'm finding that anything like that is going to have to happen at the latter part of the day in order to not offend our time together. I made this appointment before we made our decision but I'll certainly know from now on. Jeremy definitely prefers structure to be the most productive, but it's good for him to learn to be flexible. It's good for all of us.
We did manage to get math done: Flashcards, math packet and money counting. We also finished reading Jonah and worked on his Awana stuff. Tomorrow will be a big day. I need to get an average of 3.5 hours a day of our core work in and so far we are fine but the whole point is to get him caught up and then some. I want him to have self-confidence in knowing that he's got it figured out. I loved watching him do a random subtraction problem today and seeing him know how to borrow and regroup. That was awesome. Once he gets something, he's got it forever. That rote memory does pay off.
I'm loving this time with him. I'm looking forward to doing it when I'm feeling 100%. I'm dealing with an inner ear issue this week causing some dizziness. I had a cold all of last week and a cold sore came to visit yesterday. Something is trying to go thru me. Looking forward to it leaving!
Today's armor:
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
We did manage to get math done: Flashcards, math packet and money counting. We also finished reading Jonah and worked on his Awana stuff. Tomorrow will be a big day. I need to get an average of 3.5 hours a day of our core work in and so far we are fine but the whole point is to get him caught up and then some. I want him to have self-confidence in knowing that he's got it figured out. I loved watching him do a random subtraction problem today and seeing him know how to borrow and regroup. That was awesome. Once he gets something, he's got it forever. That rote memory does pay off.
I'm loving this time with him. I'm looking forward to doing it when I'm feeling 100%. I'm dealing with an inner ear issue this week causing some dizziness. I had a cold all of last week and a cold sore came to visit yesterday. Something is trying to go thru me. Looking forward to it leaving!
Today's armor:
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Friday, February 25, 2011
Snow day?
No Way! Well, actually, we did have a late start. It was hard to get started and focused. But we got a couple hours in still. Abby was home so that definitely added a different dynamic. Very different. We'll have to figure all that out if we are doing this next year and she comes home with us.
We did manage to get out to Petsmart today (not PetCo) and do his data collecting. We did 2 collections. One for all the birds and then one for the furry animals. We'll put his bar graph and pie chart together on Monday. It was a great hands on activity for him. Plus, they got to watch the dogs at the doggie daycare play. That's always good. Jeremy was laughing so hard at them. Abby wants to get a job there. She would be great at that type of thing. She's so loving and responsible. We'll have to remember that when it's time for her to get a part-time job.
Fortunately, they had CYT rehearsal for Godspell tonight. They both need that time to be around all that positive energy. And so do I! I've got my own friends that I can't wait to see either!
Psalm 37:23-24 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.
We did manage to get out to Petsmart today (not PetCo) and do his data collecting. We did 2 collections. One for all the birds and then one for the furry animals. We'll put his bar graph and pie chart together on Monday. It was a great hands on activity for him. Plus, they got to watch the dogs at the doggie daycare play. That's always good. Jeremy was laughing so hard at them. Abby wants to get a job there. She would be great at that type of thing. She's so loving and responsible. We'll have to remember that when it's time for her to get a part-time job.
Fortunately, they had CYT rehearsal for Godspell tonight. They both need that time to be around all that positive energy. And so do I! I've got my own friends that I can't wait to see either!
Psalm 37:23-24 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Is it 12:00 yet?
One of the things about Jeremy, and maybe a lot of kids, is that he is a clock watcher. Today our plan was to leave at 12:00 and go on a promised trip to McDonalds and then to PetCo (or PetSmart -whatever it's called) and do our "field survey". All throughout our morning, Jeremy was watching the clock. He actually does this all the time but this week has been amplified. I'm anxious for him to learn and he's anxious just to move on! Bless him. I think I'm going to have to cover the clock.
Both of us have been excited to go count the animals. Unfortunately, the snow/sleet discouraged our plan. Did you see those snowballs coming down? We watched it all morning, not really worrying about it, and then went to McDonald's. As I was getting into the van, I saw a text from Parkhill that school was getting out an hour early. So, we thought, "Hey, we'll just take Abby with us." But, by the time we picked her up, it was getting really nasty out and I was kind of struggling with the roads. Jeremy still wanted to go but somehow managed to understand that we really shouldn't. I was REALLY impressed with how he handled the disappointment. He's matured a lot. I was prepared for a breakdown but didn't need to be. He could see that we weren't safe. I'm proud of him. Hopefully we'll get to do our survey tomorrow.
This is only our 3rd day together. He asked about visiting his teacher to say "Hi." I asked him if he missed her and he said "yes" but then he said he was enjoying homeschooling as much as I am. I spoke with a teacher today who asked me to sub for her and I had to tell her "no" since we are homeschooling now. She went on and on about how proud she was of me for doing it. I don't know why that meant so much to me but I think it's interesting how varied the opinions are for homeschooling. I also think it's silly that I care so much. I know that right now, we are doing the right thing. He's doing great! We both are.
Psalm 100:5 "For the LORD is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations."
Both of us have been excited to go count the animals. Unfortunately, the snow/sleet discouraged our plan. Did you see those snowballs coming down? We watched it all morning, not really worrying about it, and then went to McDonald's. As I was getting into the van, I saw a text from Parkhill that school was getting out an hour early. So, we thought, "Hey, we'll just take Abby with us." But, by the time we picked her up, it was getting really nasty out and I was kind of struggling with the roads. Jeremy still wanted to go but somehow managed to understand that we really shouldn't. I was REALLY impressed with how he handled the disappointment. He's matured a lot. I was prepared for a breakdown but didn't need to be. He could see that we weren't safe. I'm proud of him. Hopefully we'll get to do our survey tomorrow.
This is only our 3rd day together. He asked about visiting his teacher to say "Hi." I asked him if he missed her and he said "yes" but then he said he was enjoying homeschooling as much as I am. I spoke with a teacher today who asked me to sub for her and I had to tell her "no" since we are homeschooling now. She went on and on about how proud she was of me for doing it. I don't know why that meant so much to me but I think it's interesting how varied the opinions are for homeschooling. I also think it's silly that I care so much. I know that right now, we are doing the right thing. He's doing great! We both are.
Psalm 100:5 "For the LORD is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day Two 2/23/11
Today went really well again. I hate the thought of not doing this next year but I know that is still an option. I'm enjoying this so much. I have it in the back of my mind that Jeremy will go back to school next year and I get a sad feeling. Who knows. The "fun" will probably wear off eventually.
We sure got a lot done. We worked on his Awana stuff and then math, comm arts and social studies. "Recess" was playing Jenga. We worked for about 5 hours. The day goes so fast! I know we'll get a routine figured out eventually.
He worked on making a bar graph and tomorrow, we decided, we are going to go to PetCo and take a survey of the animals and make our own bar graph. He's pretty excited. He said we need a clipboard. :)
It was a great day! Looking forward to doing this when I feel good.
We sure got a lot done. We worked on his Awana stuff and then math, comm arts and social studies. "Recess" was playing Jenga. We worked for about 5 hours. The day goes so fast! I know we'll get a routine figured out eventually.
He worked on making a bar graph and tomorrow, we decided, we are going to go to PetCo and take a survey of the animals and make our own bar graph. He's pretty excited. He said we need a clipboard. :)
It was a great day! Looking forward to doing this when I feel good.
Our First Day - 2/22/11
I'm very impressed with ourselves for completing our first day of homeschooling together. Especially since our car is in the shop and I had to take my husband to work after taking Abby to school and come home and get started. Plus, I have a nasty cold so the fact that we got anything done is all glory to God.
Today we just got used to each other and our new task. We started with a devotional about responsibility and worked on his Awana sections. Then, Jeremy did some addition and subtraction. We did addition flash cards, measured several household items, and he showed me how many way he could make 50 cents out of a pile of coins. All seems easy for a 4th grader but like I said, we're getting used to each other. He needs the review anyway. He did do one quick multiplication sheet after lunch and then he wrote and typed a letter to the Bakugan company. His intent is for them to send him some free Bakugans. He was inspired by "Stink and the Super Galactic JawBreaker" by Megan McDonald where the main character is mad his jaw breaker doesn't actually break his jaw. He writes the company and they end of sending him 100's of jawbreakers. I think Jeremy believes the Bakugan company will also send him some Bakugans to play with. We'll see. He then did some worksheets on homonyms. After an explanation he still didn't quite remember what those were so I looked up on Youtube the Veggie Tales song on Homophones. Somehow that seemed to help. We finished up with double-sided worksheet on Christopher Columbus where we discovered 4 good vocabulary/spelling words. He also looked up an idiom to use for the week - "run off at the mouth." (I was kind of offended by that. We'll see how he uses it in a sentence tomorrow.) Kids with Asperger's have a hard time with figures of speech so he's going to work on those too. The book I have has over 700 expressions and sayings in it. Isn't that ridiculous? No wonder our language is so difficult.
His final task was to journal about the day. He wrote, "Today was my first day of homeschooling. I felt happy. In Social Studies we studied about Christopher Columbus. I am going to like homeschooling."
Good enough for now! I'm very happy with how today went. I'm not so naive as to think everyday will go this well but I'm really proud of both of us. Not sure I will be able to do my blog everyday but hopefully I'll be back tomorrow!
He's running on the treadmill right now and I think my ceiling is going to cave in.
Until tomorrow....Mark 12:30 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength."
Today we just got used to each other and our new task. We started with a devotional about responsibility and worked on his Awana sections. Then, Jeremy did some addition and subtraction. We did addition flash cards, measured several household items, and he showed me how many way he could make 50 cents out of a pile of coins. All seems easy for a 4th grader but like I said, we're getting used to each other. He needs the review anyway. He did do one quick multiplication sheet after lunch and then he wrote and typed a letter to the Bakugan company. His intent is for them to send him some free Bakugans. He was inspired by "Stink and the Super Galactic JawBreaker" by Megan McDonald where the main character is mad his jaw breaker doesn't actually break his jaw. He writes the company and they end of sending him 100's of jawbreakers. I think Jeremy believes the Bakugan company will also send him some Bakugans to play with. We'll see. He then did some worksheets on homonyms. After an explanation he still didn't quite remember what those were so I looked up on Youtube the Veggie Tales song on Homophones. Somehow that seemed to help. We finished up with double-sided worksheet on Christopher Columbus where we discovered 4 good vocabulary/spelling words. He also looked up an idiom to use for the week - "run off at the mouth." (I was kind of offended by that. We'll see how he uses it in a sentence tomorrow.) Kids with Asperger's have a hard time with figures of speech so he's going to work on those too. The book I have has over 700 expressions and sayings in it. Isn't that ridiculous? No wonder our language is so difficult.
His final task was to journal about the day. He wrote, "Today was my first day of homeschooling. I felt happy. In Social Studies we studied about Christopher Columbus. I am going to like homeschooling."
Good enough for now! I'm very happy with how today went. I'm not so naive as to think everyday will go this well but I'm really proud of both of us. Not sure I will be able to do my blog everyday but hopefully I'll be back tomorrow!
He's running on the treadmill right now and I think my ceiling is going to cave in.
Until tomorrow....Mark 12:30 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength."
Here We Go! 2/21/11
After much contemplation, my husband and I have decided to homeschool our 10 year old son Jeremy for the rest of 4th grade. We feel like we have a "window of opportunity" here. We don't want to homeschool him in 5th grade and find out that we don't like it and put him back in January. That would be a hard transition. This way, if we don't enjoy it, we can put him back at the beginning of next year and the other kids will hardly know he was gone. I will be doing the majority of the instruction during the day. Some things will be done with my husband. There are certain things I'm not sure I will be able to explain involving math and science.
Jeremy and I will be doing lots of repetition with math including money, measurement and fractions. We will do lots of reading and work on comprehension. We will also be focusing on the world around us as well as do some hands-on experiments. I'm also going to take on the challenge of doing art projects with him. This is not my forte, but I'm up for the challenge. Jeremy will be getting lots of socialization through CYT and church. He has his CYT class on Monday nights (this session is focusing on dance/movement) and then he has GODSPELL rehearsals. He also has Awana on Wednesday evenings. We will be meeting new friends at Discovery club at the library and also thru my friend Kelly's coop when we attend their field trips. We won't be joining a weekly co-op since they have already started their classes.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Jeremy responds to our daily instruction. I have aspirations but I'm being realistic. I'm fully aware that this may not go well. However, my goals are that his reading and math fluency greatly increase and that he develops some study habits. We will also focus on idioms, vocabulary, writng and grammar.
Today is President's Day and I have a cold. I'm very glad the cold came on today and not tomorrow. Gave me a day to get used to it. The kids had callbacks/rehearsal this morning for Godspell and I have Bible study tonight while they have their CYT classes. We were going to see a movie this afternoon but the theater was packed. We will start our new adventure tomorrow. Praying God will be glorified in all that we do.
Jeremy and I will be doing lots of repetition with math including money, measurement and fractions. We will do lots of reading and work on comprehension. We will also be focusing on the world around us as well as do some hands-on experiments. I'm also going to take on the challenge of doing art projects with him. This is not my forte, but I'm up for the challenge. Jeremy will be getting lots of socialization through CYT and church. He has his CYT class on Monday nights (this session is focusing on dance/movement) and then he has GODSPELL rehearsals. He also has Awana on Wednesday evenings. We will be meeting new friends at Discovery club at the library and also thru my friend Kelly's coop when we attend their field trips. We won't be joining a weekly co-op since they have already started their classes.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Jeremy responds to our daily instruction. I have aspirations but I'm being realistic. I'm fully aware that this may not go well. However, my goals are that his reading and math fluency greatly increase and that he develops some study habits. We will also focus on idioms, vocabulary, writng and grammar.
Today is President's Day and I have a cold. I'm very glad the cold came on today and not tomorrow. Gave me a day to get used to it. The kids had callbacks/rehearsal this morning for Godspell and I have Bible study tonight while they have their CYT classes. We were going to see a movie this afternoon but the theater was packed. We will start our new adventure tomorrow. Praying God will be glorified in all that we do.
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