I’m so glad to be helpful! And well done for taking a humorous approach because otherwise, it’s all over. Hooray for snacks! I hope some of your math lessons include baking so you can all enjoy the fruits of a needy subject :)
And she does it again! Writing an engaging, helpful post on top of it all... (I'll really have to learn about that "flying by the seat of my pants" strategy you have:)
- Snacks: Yes! I was going to add a section on food in my homeschooling post, but I was running out of space. Hungry children make for cranky learners. One of the highlights of our morning is snack time, usually around 10:30. A yummy snack (muffins, biscuits, veggies and dip, "rice cracker sushi"etc) is served and I pull out the next chapter of our history reading and get my second (or third) cup of coffee to go along. After this break we are ready for another more focused stretch of learning!
- Rest: A must! Ever since they were babies, I have had an afternoon down time. For the kids this means reading time in their room (or audiobook if they are done with their reading) and no interruptions for me. I lie down on the couch with a book, read for 15-30 minutes, and close my eyes for another fifteen. It is a miracle energy cure and I have no idea how others make it through the day without a brief siesta. It adds rhythm to the day and also restores moods and patience. I highly recommend this practice!
In Canada we still have a couple of weeks of holiday, which will give me enough time to sort through all my books and materials and get ready for the new year :)
Thanks for writing Dixie and all the best on day three of homeschooling!
Yes -- rest time is also SO important. We had a daily rest hour until this past year, when I discovered that the kids are now at a stage where after lunch they go off and amuse themselves quietly without me having to announce or enforce it (usually). Now the struggle is getting *myself* to rest since I no longer call it "rest time" in my head. Must enforce with myself! Starting now!!
I only have one cup of coffee each morning but I am seriously considering adding a second regularly instead of just occasionally. I appreciate your enabling example here :)
I have found that the Hearth and Field mug is quite the "extra cup of coffee enabler". In fact, I think I'll take a break from sorting through my schoolbooks and papers and make myself another cup....And yes, make rest a must for yourself :)
If your daughter is nearing university age, you should set some time aside to visit Barry's Bay. Their liberal arts program was described by Anthony Esolen as one of only two Catholic institutions that he felt were staying the course. (While we are not Catholic, we greatly appreciate the work they do there and the community that they have built). That might make it worth a trip to Canada :)
Love this; thanks for sharing it! I'm embarking on year 1 of homeschooling soon and so appreciate veterans such as yourself taking the time to write candidly about how it goes and feels for you!
The snack thing makes so much sense. Costco here I come. Any particulars you love? Let's crowdsource a list! :D
So impressed by all your by-lines (and love that you keep a list!). I'm looking to up mine this year. Just got a pitch accepted yesterday! And, did I miss a book announcement?? I'm also discerning stepping back from online presence a bit to work on a proposal. Thanks for the reminder to take these things to God! I tend to default to "how can I figure all this out?!?!" lol.
Regarding your question, no homeschool advice here (though I am writing about how the big thing I've been working on to prepare for it is tending to our family culture, as I was always passionate about classroom culture as a teacher). I did, however, just publish a little piece yesterday on things that have made my life at home with littles easier, from a sensory swing to swanky earplugs! It's here: https://open.substack.com/pub/onetiredmother/p/five-things-to-make-home-life-with?r=22tzy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Ooh, can't wait to go check out your post! And congratulations on the acceptance!
I'm hoping to have good book news to share in the next month or so. But I'm not counting my chickens...or am trying not to. The process between completing the proposal and getting a contract is an ongoing one, and generally (or so I hear) takes some time with the first book!
Re: year 1 of homeschooling...you can do it, Amber! Please always feel free to reach out if you need a pep talk or some help troubleshooting.
I love that you are focusing on family culture in your homeschooling. That is definitely the way to do it -- tailor it to the family. Homeschooling provides so many wonderful opportunities for a family to enjoy things together, dive deep into shared interest, and make time for special family activities and celebrations.
Thanks! Yes, I love the hymn "Lead Kindly Light." It is one I sing often! This is the tune I sing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnIYLEXHeFk (although I'm not LDS, my impression is that this is a beloved hymn in that faith as well as in my own). There's also a meaningful backstory to Newman's composition of the poem.
“perhaps we can have confidence that God does provide ways to do things to which he calls us, whether it’s homeschooling or cooking dinner or writing and editing.”
Thank you for this, Dixie! As we start dipping our toes into kindergarten with my oldest, I’ve been struggling with feeling like I’m shortchanging my children because, in the midst of all the homeschool materials and co-op prep, I’m making writing a priority, and this was such a wonderful reminder that, God willing and with a lot of grace and coffee, it’s not only possible but *good* to do both.
Indeed. And remember, as I'm sure so many people have told you, how little formal schoolwork is needed for a Kindergartener -- 60-90 minutes tops, really. What they most need is the other stuff -- moving toward increased free play, opportunities to learn to do chores, having read-alouds and baking sessions with thier parents, doing heavy work outside, sitting under trees, playing at the park. Really -- that is the stuff not to shortchange. So enforce that independent play and do your writing guilt-free!!
Remember that they will love what you love. If they see you writing, they will want to write (eventually). No joke. Same with reading! Your modeling is a wonderful resource here.
Hang in there, and message me anytime if you need a pep talk or some help troubleshooting!
Thank you! It’s a huge help, in the moments that I worry I’m not doing enough, to remember that in terms of schoolwork less is usually more when they’re so little!
Would love to hear your advice for moms who are thinking of / hoping to homeschool but their kids are still little! My oldest will be 4 soon and we've done some phonics things. The phonetic matching was a blast for about a week -- she had letter cards and picture cards and she matched them. But then she moved on to other things, like I don't know, whatever struck her fancy next. Definitely not class. I don't know if I should decide that this fall we're going to "do class" every Tuesday during little brother's naptime? How hard should I push if she doesn't want to do it? How long does "she's little, you don't actually have to do school yet" last?
We do a lot of math while eating, like, if you eat three of your beans, how many will you have left? Ok, try it and see! And a regular chore for her is to count the toilet paper rolls in the bathroom drawer. There should be 3, and if there's less than 3, then she has to go to the closet and get the right number and restock the drawer. I love this because she's learning and I'm not bending over.
Mary, I am sure that Dixie will have some helpful and encouraging words. I recently wrote a post that provides some guidance for families starting out with homeschooling, which includes a "sane and simple" plan for beginning schooling: https://schooloftheunconformed.substack.com/p/unconformed-education-a-personal
Honestly, it sounds like you're doing all that is needed right now, Mary. Things like starting to learn letter sounds, colors, shapes, and numbers happen easily just as you are doing them -- through naturally bringing them up in the course of life. I truly do not believe that any formal academics at all are necessary at 3 or 4 (or 5 -- but some kids will be ready at 5, or even 4!).
But there are lots of fun things you can do if you want to find things -- my 4.5-year-old has been loving the Melissa & Doug scissors activity sets right now, for example (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088XQKR5C?psc=1 -- although you need to buy real scissors to go along with them, as the plastic ones that come with them are horrible). And do puzzles together! And leaf rubbings! That sort of thing. These are all good for developing the motor skills and attention needed to eventually read and write. Tracing notebooks are fun, too!
If she doesn't want to do it, I would not push it AT ALL right now. Let it go completely. At 5 or 6, start a school routine that is not negotiable, but is very small. That's my advice!
Thanks! For some reason I didn't see your reply until just now. We did scissors a few months ago. I bought her some kid size scissors and we talked about how to carry them (hold the blades, which should be closed) and other things. She does like to cut but can't really control where she's cutting. So this is a thing we can practice! Leaf rubbings is a good idea. She enjoyed doing rubbings at the Atrium, and I found out they made rubbing "plates" with just sandpaper (cut into a shape) glue-sticked on to cardstock, so I made an X rubbing for her (because that was all I was willing/able to do with my scissors, sandpaper is hard to cut!). I looked up rubbing plates online and didn't find a good selection, but leaves is a great idea, especially now that it's almost fall!
I want to recommend some puzzles that I LOVE. I got a 13-piece puzzle at Once Upon a Child, and it was just the right skill level but there were conversation starters on the box that seemed strange for kids. Then I looked up the company and discovered they make materials for dementia patients, not kids! I've since bought/received 2 or 3 more puzzles from this company. The images are beautiful and the 13 pieces is just right for this age.
Wow, those are beautiful puzzles! It's hard to find puzzles in the lower numbers of pieces, and even the 100-piece ones are often junky (all licensed characters). These are really pretty! Thanks for sharing.
This is so helpful! Especially the SNAX reminder! We’re homeschooling our first grader and feel like it’s about to get real. (We took it pretty easy in kinder focusing on play and outside and household help etc).
Curious how you decided when your first day is? Do you work with a charter that sets the date? We do and it seems around here they are more towards end of August/beginning of September?
I used to wait to start until just after Labor Day, as I do not want to cut summer vacation short. However, after observing myself for about three years, I realized that my homeschooling energy is highest in the fall and then falls off dramatically in about March. It's not just about how many months we've had of school yet, but about the weather and the other things that are going on in our family with my husband's work. So around the 4th year I shifted our start into mid-August, when we're all a bit cranky from too much down time and from summer travel and are feeling ready for a change. And then we end mid-May, when the weather here in Virginia is just lovely.
I often also switch to a looser schedule and more interest-led school format in March, to help get me through to May. This has worked well for us.
The final thing I do, in terms of schedules, is schedule a week off after every 5-6 weeks. I was noting that I really started to get tired at around week 5, so that seemed a good time to set a goalpost of only one more week before a break. I gerrymander it a little bit to fit with holidays, but it seems to work well!
I guess what I'm saying is...observe your moods and seasons of energy and see what works.
I know you’ve written about some of this before, but I think it could be an article that includes the various elements of your discernment ;) So, your own energy levels, your kids’ moods and energy levels, the actual weather, outside commitments, husband’s work, etc.
I read this right before I walked into Costco with two main aims — buy easy protein sources for me (especially breakfast!) and find easy snack options for everyone else. I also planned all three meals for all seven days this week, which admittedly for breakfast and lunch is just me writing down one of the handful of options we usually have. But since we’re trying to get into some school rhythms this week (one week before co-op starts and there’s actual required work) it is one less thing to think about. It’s annoying how much of homeschooling is actually planning food.
Maybe a good argument for making the kitchen as pretty and pleasant a place to be in as possible! I'm thinking maybe I should think this through a little more...
I’m gonna say what’s really worked for our family is treating it as a work day in terms of hours. We take a complete stop on any chores or tasks for a full hour at lunch, then we have snack time at 2:30 (and that’s a coffee break for me) and that mostly tides us over to supper, then about 5 when my husband gets home we leave what wasn’t finished that day for the next to focus on cooking and family time. Established routines make a world of difference and my kiddo is just in kindergarten (starting tomorrow!). Praying for all of us on this wild homeschool journey! Also, coffee is always the better choice (my personal preference is Cuban espresso).
I go through phases of loving tea and really disliking it. They seem to coincide with phases when I'm willing to put in lots of honey and phases when I am not. I enjoy unsweetened coffee with milk or cream, but not tea!
I’m seasonal drinker with tea, I’ll sometimes do matcha in the summer months and chai in the winter but that’s pretty much my limit. I have to have my coffee, that’s my special “me time” in the mornings haha
Yes --Always, always pray specifically for and about the things that are making you crazy or worrying you! It's amazing how just the right book or idea or conversation appears after specific prayer!
It really is incredible. I think it's possible that the most stubborn among us, such as yours truly, have to reallllly feel it before we will actually truly hand things over to God. But the humblest, simplest request that comes forth then to "just please show me" or "please come find me" always bears fruit. God is good, indeed!
I just read and enjoyed your post about not hollering - thank you! Do you have a specific blog post that talks about helping children overcome complaining? We are starting homeschooling again in a few weeks and I’m dreading it because my oldest (almost 7) complained so much last year, so I’m trying to figure out a plan before we start again! Thanks so much!
Always worthwhile to have some Scripture handy. "The Lord loves a cheerful giver" and so on. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
It may sound funny, but one of the best things I ever did when starting the homeschool year was always start on a Wednesday or Thursday. It eased us into the routine with just 2 or 3 days as opposed to the very daunting looking 5 days. 😊
Such a good policy! I do the same -- we started on a Tuesday, and we have Thursday (tomorrow) off because it is a Holy Day (Feast of the Assumption) in our faith. So, only three days! Someday I'll get smart and make the first week only TWO days, though...
I only home educated my youngest, totally different here in the UK and I have no idea how I would have managed with more than just one. It was enough adding in their after school activities to the mix! My sanity saver? A trampoline....she got fresh air, exercise and the chance to clear her head while I got to lay my head down and just breathe. Oh, and hand stitching too but that's always been my release from any stress.
Our neighbor has a trampoline and it's fantastic! They are very generous with letting our kids jump on it.
I think one of the reasons I'm a little stressed is that I haven't been able to sew this summer due to a variety of household factors; I'm already planning my first project of the fall! It really helps. Long walks, too!
About the ten minutes of rest (HA!) and the cup of tea making it butterflies and roses?
I’d ask what they put in their tea!!
This from a homeschooling veteran of 30 years, 6 kiddos, and signatory on their diplomas. 😃 I prayed for you just now. Hang in their momma! The tiny daily steps do add up. And when all else fails, declare it science day and watch Magic School Bus!
Read aloud every day to the whole group. Let them do quiet things while they listen.
Practice “quiet time” after lunch. Even if my kiddos had outgrown naps, we had an hour of quiet where they had to read or play quietly in their room. That helped me tremendously. Some days I caught up on whatever, some days I read a book, some days I just slept.
One easy preschool thing I did was grab the grocery store fliers and a marker and have them circle all the twos. Or whatever came to mind.
I’m so glad to be helpful! And well done for taking a humorous approach because otherwise, it’s all over. Hooray for snacks! I hope some of your math lessons include baking so you can all enjoy the fruits of a needy subject :)
Baking is an absolute math necessity!!
Also, so true about the humor...ha!
And she does it again! Writing an engaging, helpful post on top of it all... (I'll really have to learn about that "flying by the seat of my pants" strategy you have:)
- Snacks: Yes! I was going to add a section on food in my homeschooling post, but I was running out of space. Hungry children make for cranky learners. One of the highlights of our morning is snack time, usually around 10:30. A yummy snack (muffins, biscuits, veggies and dip, "rice cracker sushi"etc) is served and I pull out the next chapter of our history reading and get my second (or third) cup of coffee to go along. After this break we are ready for another more focused stretch of learning!
- Rest: A must! Ever since they were babies, I have had an afternoon down time. For the kids this means reading time in their room (or audiobook if they are done with their reading) and no interruptions for me. I lie down on the couch with a book, read for 15-30 minutes, and close my eyes for another fifteen. It is a miracle energy cure and I have no idea how others make it through the day without a brief siesta. It adds rhythm to the day and also restores moods and patience. I highly recommend this practice!
In Canada we still have a couple of weeks of holiday, which will give me enough time to sort through all my books and materials and get ready for the new year :)
Thanks for writing Dixie and all the best on day three of homeschooling!
Yes! The rest time for everyone! A must, as you say.
Agreed!
Yes -- rest time is also SO important. We had a daily rest hour until this past year, when I discovered that the kids are now at a stage where after lunch they go off and amuse themselves quietly without me having to announce or enforce it (usually). Now the struggle is getting *myself* to rest since I no longer call it "rest time" in my head. Must enforce with myself! Starting now!!
I only have one cup of coffee each morning but I am seriously considering adding a second regularly instead of just occasionally. I appreciate your enabling example here :)
I have found that the Hearth and Field mug is quite the "extra cup of coffee enabler". In fact, I think I'll take a break from sorting through my schoolbooks and papers and make myself another cup....And yes, make rest a must for yourself :)
Well, I wouldn't want you to feel alone so I guess I'll go make one, too. I use my H&F mug every morning!!
Too bad you are not down the street, otherwise I would come and bring some cookies :)
Someday we'll have coffee and cookies together!!
If your daughter is nearing university age, you should set some time aside to visit Barry's Bay. Their liberal arts program was described by Anthony Esolen as one of only two Catholic institutions that he felt were staying the course. (While we are not Catholic, we greatly appreciate the work they do there and the community that they have built). That might make it worth a trip to Canada :)
Love this; thanks for sharing it! I'm embarking on year 1 of homeschooling soon and so appreciate veterans such as yourself taking the time to write candidly about how it goes and feels for you!
The snack thing makes so much sense. Costco here I come. Any particulars you love? Let's crowdsource a list! :D
So impressed by all your by-lines (and love that you keep a list!). I'm looking to up mine this year. Just got a pitch accepted yesterday! And, did I miss a book announcement?? I'm also discerning stepping back from online presence a bit to work on a proposal. Thanks for the reminder to take these things to God! I tend to default to "how can I figure all this out?!?!" lol.
Regarding your question, no homeschool advice here (though I am writing about how the big thing I've been working on to prepare for it is tending to our family culture, as I was always passionate about classroom culture as a teacher). I did, however, just publish a little piece yesterday on things that have made my life at home with littles easier, from a sensory swing to swanky earplugs! It's here: https://open.substack.com/pub/onetiredmother/p/five-things-to-make-home-life-with?r=22tzy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
So happy to be connected, Dixie!
Ooh, can't wait to go check out your post! And congratulations on the acceptance!
I'm hoping to have good book news to share in the next month or so. But I'm not counting my chickens...or am trying not to. The process between completing the proposal and getting a contract is an ongoing one, and generally (or so I hear) takes some time with the first book!
Re: year 1 of homeschooling...you can do it, Amber! Please always feel free to reach out if you need a pep talk or some help troubleshooting.
I love that you are focusing on family culture in your homeschooling. That is definitely the way to do it -- tailor it to the family. Homeschooling provides so many wonderful opportunities for a family to enjoy things together, dive deep into shared interest, and make time for special family activities and celebrations.
Love the Newman quote and many other things here, Dixie! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Yes, I love the hymn "Lead Kindly Light." It is one I sing often! This is the tune I sing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnIYLEXHeFk (although I'm not LDS, my impression is that this is a beloved hymn in that faith as well as in my own). There's also a meaningful backstory to Newman's composition of the poem.
“perhaps we can have confidence that God does provide ways to do things to which he calls us, whether it’s homeschooling or cooking dinner or writing and editing.”
Thank you for this, Dixie! As we start dipping our toes into kindergarten with my oldest, I’ve been struggling with feeling like I’m shortchanging my children because, in the midst of all the homeschool materials and co-op prep, I’m making writing a priority, and this was such a wonderful reminder that, God willing and with a lot of grace and coffee, it’s not only possible but *good* to do both.
Indeed. And remember, as I'm sure so many people have told you, how little formal schoolwork is needed for a Kindergartener -- 60-90 minutes tops, really. What they most need is the other stuff -- moving toward increased free play, opportunities to learn to do chores, having read-alouds and baking sessions with thier parents, doing heavy work outside, sitting under trees, playing at the park. Really -- that is the stuff not to shortchange. So enforce that independent play and do your writing guilt-free!!
Remember that they will love what you love. If they see you writing, they will want to write (eventually). No joke. Same with reading! Your modeling is a wonderful resource here.
Hang in there, and message me anytime if you need a pep talk or some help troubleshooting!
Thank you! It’s a huge help, in the moments that I worry I’m not doing enough, to remember that in terms of schoolwork less is usually more when they’re so little!
Would love to hear your advice for moms who are thinking of / hoping to homeschool but their kids are still little! My oldest will be 4 soon and we've done some phonics things. The phonetic matching was a blast for about a week -- she had letter cards and picture cards and she matched them. But then she moved on to other things, like I don't know, whatever struck her fancy next. Definitely not class. I don't know if I should decide that this fall we're going to "do class" every Tuesday during little brother's naptime? How hard should I push if she doesn't want to do it? How long does "she's little, you don't actually have to do school yet" last?
We do a lot of math while eating, like, if you eat three of your beans, how many will you have left? Ok, try it and see! And a regular chore for her is to count the toilet paper rolls in the bathroom drawer. There should be 3, and if there's less than 3, then she has to go to the closet and get the right number and restock the drawer. I love this because she's learning and I'm not bending over.
Mary, I am sure that Dixie will have some helpful and encouraging words. I recently wrote a post that provides some guidance for families starting out with homeschooling, which includes a "sane and simple" plan for beginning schooling: https://schooloftheunconformed.substack.com/p/unconformed-education-a-personal
Ruth's advice is always sound!
Thank you! This is helpful.
Honestly, it sounds like you're doing all that is needed right now, Mary. Things like starting to learn letter sounds, colors, shapes, and numbers happen easily just as you are doing them -- through naturally bringing them up in the course of life. I truly do not believe that any formal academics at all are necessary at 3 or 4 (or 5 -- but some kids will be ready at 5, or even 4!).
But there are lots of fun things you can do if you want to find things -- my 4.5-year-old has been loving the Melissa & Doug scissors activity sets right now, for example (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088XQKR5C?psc=1 -- although you need to buy real scissors to go along with them, as the plastic ones that come with them are horrible). And do puzzles together! And leaf rubbings! That sort of thing. These are all good for developing the motor skills and attention needed to eventually read and write. Tracing notebooks are fun, too!
If she doesn't want to do it, I would not push it AT ALL right now. Let it go completely. At 5 or 6, start a school routine that is not negotiable, but is very small. That's my advice!
Thanks! For some reason I didn't see your reply until just now. We did scissors a few months ago. I bought her some kid size scissors and we talked about how to carry them (hold the blades, which should be closed) and other things. She does like to cut but can't really control where she's cutting. So this is a thing we can practice! Leaf rubbings is a good idea. She enjoyed doing rubbings at the Atrium, and I found out they made rubbing "plates" with just sandpaper (cut into a shape) glue-sticked on to cardstock, so I made an X rubbing for her (because that was all I was willing/able to do with my scissors, sandpaper is hard to cut!). I looked up rubbing plates online and didn't find a good selection, but leaves is a great idea, especially now that it's almost fall!
I want to recommend some puzzles that I LOVE. I got a 13-piece puzzle at Once Upon a Child, and it was just the right skill level but there were conversation starters on the box that seemed strange for kids. Then I looked up the company and discovered they make materials for dementia patients, not kids! I've since bought/received 2 or 3 more puzzles from this company. The images are beautiful and the 13 pieces is just right for this age.
https://relish-life.com/en-us/collections/jigsaw-puzzles
Wow, those are beautiful puzzles! It's hard to find puzzles in the lower numbers of pieces, and even the 100-piece ones are often junky (all licensed characters). These are really pretty! Thanks for sharing.
This is so helpful! Especially the SNAX reminder! We’re homeschooling our first grader and feel like it’s about to get real. (We took it pretty easy in kinder focusing on play and outside and household help etc).
Curious how you decided when your first day is? Do you work with a charter that sets the date? We do and it seems around here they are more towards end of August/beginning of September?
SNAX FOREVER!!
I used to wait to start until just after Labor Day, as I do not want to cut summer vacation short. However, after observing myself for about three years, I realized that my homeschooling energy is highest in the fall and then falls off dramatically in about March. It's not just about how many months we've had of school yet, but about the weather and the other things that are going on in our family with my husband's work. So around the 4th year I shifted our start into mid-August, when we're all a bit cranky from too much down time and from summer travel and are feeling ready for a change. And then we end mid-May, when the weather here in Virginia is just lovely.
I often also switch to a looser schedule and more interest-led school format in March, to help get me through to May. This has worked well for us.
The final thing I do, in terms of schedules, is schedule a week off after every 5-6 weeks. I was noting that I really started to get tired at around week 5, so that seemed a good time to set a goalpost of only one more week before a break. I gerrymander it a little bit to fit with holidays, but it seems to work well!
I guess what I'm saying is...observe your moods and seasons of energy and see what works.
I know you’ve written about some of this before, but I think it could be an article that includes the various elements of your discernment ;) So, your own energy levels, your kids’ moods and energy levels, the actual weather, outside commitments, husband’s work, etc.
It might be helpful for newbies!
That's a great idea. Thanks! I'll have to think about where to pitch it.
Have breakfast.
Start dinner.
Do school staggered as you have found out.
Use paper plates.
Take a short nap. Homeschooling is a double shift.
"Homeschooling is a double shift." YES IT IS.
Food and rest are so important, as is laughter and the occasional surprise or fun project or field trip or movie.
Excellent advice here!
Forgot - double dinner when possible (casseroles etc for lunch the next day.)
I read this right before I walked into Costco with two main aims — buy easy protein sources for me (especially breakfast!) and find easy snack options for everyone else. I also planned all three meals for all seven days this week, which admittedly for breakfast and lunch is just me writing down one of the handful of options we usually have. But since we’re trying to get into some school rhythms this week (one week before co-op starts and there’s actual required work) it is one less thing to think about. It’s annoying how much of homeschooling is actually planning food.
Annoying and so unexpected! Yet crucial.
Good luck with your prep week!
Food planning/shopping/prepping/cooking/cleaning up after…sometimes I feel like I never leave the kitchen!
Maybe a good argument for making the kitchen as pretty and pleasant a place to be in as possible! I'm thinking maybe I should think this through a little more...
I’m gonna say what’s really worked for our family is treating it as a work day in terms of hours. We take a complete stop on any chores or tasks for a full hour at lunch, then we have snack time at 2:30 (and that’s a coffee break for me) and that mostly tides us over to supper, then about 5 when my husband gets home we leave what wasn’t finished that day for the next to focus on cooking and family time. Established routines make a world of difference and my kiddo is just in kindergarten (starting tomorrow!). Praying for all of us on this wild homeschool journey! Also, coffee is always the better choice (my personal preference is Cuban espresso).
I go through phases of loving tea and really disliking it. They seem to coincide with phases when I'm willing to put in lots of honey and phases when I am not. I enjoy unsweetened coffee with milk or cream, but not tea!
I’m seasonal drinker with tea, I’ll sometimes do matcha in the summer months and chai in the winter but that’s pretty much my limit. I have to have my coffee, that’s my special “me time” in the mornings haha
Great! Thanks for the mention!
Yes --Always, always pray specifically for and about the things that are making you crazy or worrying you! It's amazing how just the right book or idea or conversation appears after specific prayer!
It really is incredible. I think it's possible that the most stubborn among us, such as yours truly, have to reallllly feel it before we will actually truly hand things over to God. But the humblest, simplest request that comes forth then to "just please show me" or "please come find me" always bears fruit. God is good, indeed!
I just read and enjoyed your post about not hollering - thank you! Do you have a specific blog post that talks about helping children overcome complaining? We are starting homeschooling again in a few weeks and I’m dreading it because my oldest (almost 7) complained so much last year, so I’m trying to figure out a plan before we start again! Thanks so much!
There is definitely a post somewhere at LMLD about that...it looks like it's mentioned in this one -- https://likemotherlikedaughter.org/2012/09/ask-auntie-leila-some-homeschooling-talk/ -- but also I think there was another? Maybe Leila will chime in.
Her whining post is really good, and that's definitely one way of characterizing complaining -- https://likemotherlikedaughter.org/2013/09/whining-whiners-and-how-to-cure-them/
Thank you, I will check those out!
Always worthwhile to have some Scripture handy. "The Lord loves a cheerful giver" and so on. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Here is one post that might help with a particular issue that comes up with the complaint that starts "but WHY do I have to do it?" https://likemotherlikedaughter.org/2010/09/try-this-little-secret-of-mine-instead/
No kidding!
It may sound funny, but one of the best things I ever did when starting the homeschool year was always start on a Wednesday or Thursday. It eased us into the routine with just 2 or 3 days as opposed to the very daunting looking 5 days. 😊
Such a good policy! I do the same -- we started on a Tuesday, and we have Thursday (tomorrow) off because it is a Holy Day (Feast of the Assumption) in our faith. So, only three days! Someday I'll get smart and make the first week only TWO days, though...
I only home educated my youngest, totally different here in the UK and I have no idea how I would have managed with more than just one. It was enough adding in their after school activities to the mix! My sanity saver? A trampoline....she got fresh air, exercise and the chance to clear her head while I got to lay my head down and just breathe. Oh, and hand stitching too but that's always been my release from any stress.
Our neighbor has a trampoline and it's fantastic! They are very generous with letting our kids jump on it.
I think one of the reasons I'm a little stressed is that I haven't been able to sew this summer due to a variety of household factors; I'm already planning my first project of the fall! It really helps. Long walks, too!
About the ten minutes of rest (HA!) and the cup of tea making it butterflies and roses?
I’d ask what they put in their tea!!
This from a homeschooling veteran of 30 years, 6 kiddos, and signatory on their diplomas. 😃 I prayed for you just now. Hang in their momma! The tiny daily steps do add up. And when all else fails, declare it science day and watch Magic School Bus!
Thank you so much for your prayers, Deb! That means the world.
Yes, they must be drinking some pretty special tea!
Oops! Forgot a couple things.
Read aloud every day to the whole group. Let them do quiet things while they listen.
Practice “quiet time” after lunch. Even if my kiddos had outgrown naps, we had an hour of quiet where they had to read or play quietly in their room. That helped me tremendously. Some days I caught up on whatever, some days I read a book, some days I just slept.
One easy preschool thing I did was grab the grocery store fliers and a marker and have them circle all the twos. Or whatever came to mind.
Excellent advice!
Loved starting the day with reading aloud. Gets our heads in the game for the day!
Such a lovely way to start the day!