Starting the day off with a flat tire
This is how my morning began…
So I’m sitting on the side of the road waiting for what sounds like an eighteen year old to come change my tire. No, I’m not going to attempt it..
While I wait, I’ve got my thoughts on the upcoming fall semester and studies both at home and in our homeschool cooperative. We are having to make some sort-of last minute changes to teacher positions in our co-op so I’m working on that. I was told during my years as a USAF flight doc that a key to airpower is flexibility. Goodness knows, it’s certainly wise to be flexible while homeschooling. Minimizes the stress level.
I hope my little helper comes soon to change my tire. I’m starving!
Garage doors and spring fever
Today was one of those days infused with interruptions in the school schedule. We had new garage doors put on the house so we had workers with us. Add to that having to drag everything out of the garage prior to their arrival. Then, cleaning, etc.
It was good though because the kids were given responsibilities in helping out and were encouraged not to complain and be thankful! We were still able to get some of our core subjects in. Truthfully, I’ve got spring fever, and they do too. I need to sit down tonight and see how to make what we’re studying a little more exciting. Maybe a field trip is needed soon. Going for coffee..
I’m surrounded by wild things, and I love it
One thing I’m learning and appreciating more every day as I’m teaching is this: Bring the subject matter to life for your student.
The learning experience should be multi-sensorial. Make it hands-on, tie in several subjects, encourage movement, ask for feedback and interaction. Do less standing in front of many student-filled desks and sit more on the ground with them, talk in a 2-way conversation. Children have a lot of good things to say:)
What most students grind their teeth at: seat-work. Maybe it’s a must in some subjects. I beginning to believe less of that is more.
I had the opportunity today to read to a group of kindergarteners, my daughter being one of them. We read the classic book, “Where the Wild Things Are”.
I wanted them to really connect with the book, plant something in their memory so that they would remember the words and pictures and how the experience made them feel.
We did the usual storytime where I read and they talked with me, answered questions, laughed, etc. They were asked to model the wild things with their gnarling teeth and rolling eyes.
For a take-home connection, they were given beans to grow in their sunlit windows in hopes of remembering how Max’s room turned into a forest. They also took home those stick-on plastic eyes so that they could draw a wild thing and put the rolling eyes on there to bring the characters to life.
Did the ideas have an impact on them? I’ll likely never know, but it’s worth the effort in hopes that it somehow did..
Here’s to all of the teachers out there in every setting. It’s a tough job!
Ivy League Homeschooling 