Monday and Tuesday we did the basics for school. I have been really struggling with CC#1 not being very motivated to do her work. I give her certain assignments that I can't do for her. She has to do it. I can't and won't give in and make it easy for her. (I'm stubborn, I guess) I can understand the tedium to some of the work. I can understand her resistance but I feel a need to be persistent.
I prayed about what I could do to help her and received and an answer. The solution that came to me was that since she is always asking "when is snack? when can I go outside? I need a break!" then I will make her in control of when she gets to do those things and other "fun things."
I made a checklist that she gets to monitor and check off as she goes. Today I gave her the list and she TOOK OFF! She was so driven to get to the fun activity or the playtime break after doing certain tasks that she was saying, "Spelling, mom. it's time for spelling!" and when it was time for bed she said, "no mom! I want to do more school!" and it was all because she hadn't gotten to the craft part yet. I assured her we'd start earlier tomorrow so she could be sure to get to everything.
Seeing what is ahead for her on the list is excellent. She was happy all day long. She told me she was tired at one point but looked at her tasks then did what was needed instead of whining about it and then got her break as planned. It was great.
So we actually got EVERYTHING done today! WE did history, french, reading, language and more, plus two extra fun activities AND piano.
Today was also partly a success because my sister Aslinn had come over. We exercised and ...other stuff. But she was such a great help checking on the kids, helping when CC#3 struggled or needed a cracker, even changing baby's diaper when needed without me even asking! She also held the baby when I needed it most.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Days 30 and 31
We only did two real days of school this week. Monday was zoo in Dallas day. All of the public school kids were out so we went with the cousins. (see other blog for upcoming photos)I did try to make it a learning experience but I felt like I was yelling because the kids were zooming around everywhere. They just needed to run more than learn about Oryxs I guess. I did try to teach the youngest boy about Big Horn Sheep. He kept calling them goats. (We'll review that one.)
The penguins interested CC#1 the most and Tuesday morning the first thing she asked for, possibly in an effort to delay math, was to do a penguin lesson. It didn't turn out to be effective. I gave her about 6 photocopies to paint of penguins and predators but I wanted her to write a narration of a lesson first. I left her (always a mistake) to go exercise with my sister (only in the next room) and she didn't do her work. So when my sister left she got to stand in the corner. (also for poking brother with pencil) I'm exasperated. I ask my other sister to come over later in the afternoon. I'm feeling sick, possibly with allergies or a cold. I have church service work that takes up some of the afternoon. I need motivation to work faster. My sis comes in the afternoon with her kids and CC#1 has been told she can't play until her work is done. It was a pretty chaotic afternoon. IT seemed that everyone was still recovering from the all day trip the day before. I start to clean the house because we're having playgroup at our house the next day and husband comes home just in time for me to go to a church meeting. I knew I should have worn a dress or dressed nicer. I barely got a shower in that day, however, and when I went I was certainly feeling like the only one without make-up hair done and a dress on.
So I ended up staying up all night long on Tuesday cleaning the house. I really like my house clean and I'm a perfectionist. I do care what people think to a certain degree but there is also the aspect of "I give up" about me, too. I tend, however, to use the knowledge of people coming to visit as a motivator to clean. So I really got a lot done that I'd been slacking on, in addition to like 5 loads of laundry, windows, bathroom floor, girls bookshelf, craft cupboard, sink, and stove. I slept for an hour and got up at 8:30 with trash to take out still and dishes to do. I did get a shower in, though. Yay!
Anyway, after the playgroup ended I fed the kids and headed over to an appointment. I got there early and I waited over an hour. KNowing that three of my kids had to be seen I gave up and rescheduled and left because I couldn't miss ballet parent observation day. Luckily my husband had been on call the night before and I got to leave my young boy with him, who wouldn've been nightmarishly disruptive.
Then to the library. I did try to get CC#1 to do some work at the appointment while we waited and she did do some but mostly she whined. CC#2 and I read readers together.
Thursday I can't remember at all even though it was just yesterday. Oh, I jsut remembered that on Tuesday I also took two kids to make up gymnastics in the morning.
Thursday we did school I guess. Can't remember. It's a blur. I know she did some work this week and Thursday must've been when she did it. We did have friends from out of town come for the TCU v BYU game and we went to dinner. My sister had come in the morning and we exercised. I stayed up late talking to our friends.
FRiday, today, I was so sick I slept late, although it was more like lying there in misery. I took tylenol all day and it's apparent that baby is sick as well as she cries whenever put down.
I took CC#1 to her make up gymnastics and I think we're going to switch her to Fridays. I met a nice homeschooler there, since it's a for homeschoolers class.
Then I went clothes shopping and spent $27 on a shirt and pants outfit for little kid, two blouses, two skirts, and a nice pair of pants. It wasn't even a thrift store amazingly.
Then I cooked dinner and sister came over and we exercised and painted pumpkins with the kids. It was fun but I am so wiped out. I am sick and hurting from working out. Such a stupid thing to do, I'm sure.
We'll do more academic things next week and hopefully I'll be feeling better.
The penguins interested CC#1 the most and Tuesday morning the first thing she asked for, possibly in an effort to delay math, was to do a penguin lesson. It didn't turn out to be effective. I gave her about 6 photocopies to paint of penguins and predators but I wanted her to write a narration of a lesson first. I left her (always a mistake) to go exercise with my sister (only in the next room) and she didn't do her work. So when my sister left she got to stand in the corner. (also for poking brother with pencil) I'm exasperated. I ask my other sister to come over later in the afternoon. I'm feeling sick, possibly with allergies or a cold. I have church service work that takes up some of the afternoon. I need motivation to work faster. My sis comes in the afternoon with her kids and CC#1 has been told she can't play until her work is done. It was a pretty chaotic afternoon. IT seemed that everyone was still recovering from the all day trip the day before. I start to clean the house because we're having playgroup at our house the next day and husband comes home just in time for me to go to a church meeting. I knew I should have worn a dress or dressed nicer. I barely got a shower in that day, however, and when I went I was certainly feeling like the only one without make-up hair done and a dress on.
So I ended up staying up all night long on Tuesday cleaning the house. I really like my house clean and I'm a perfectionist. I do care what people think to a certain degree but there is also the aspect of "I give up" about me, too. I tend, however, to use the knowledge of people coming to visit as a motivator to clean. So I really got a lot done that I'd been slacking on, in addition to like 5 loads of laundry, windows, bathroom floor, girls bookshelf, craft cupboard, sink, and stove. I slept for an hour and got up at 8:30 with trash to take out still and dishes to do. I did get a shower in, though. Yay!
Anyway, after the playgroup ended I fed the kids and headed over to an appointment. I got there early and I waited over an hour. KNowing that three of my kids had to be seen I gave up and rescheduled and left because I couldn't miss ballet parent observation day. Luckily my husband had been on call the night before and I got to leave my young boy with him, who wouldn've been nightmarishly disruptive.
Then to the library. I did try to get CC#1 to do some work at the appointment while we waited and she did do some but mostly she whined. CC#2 and I read readers together.
Thursday I can't remember at all even though it was just yesterday. Oh, I jsut remembered that on Tuesday I also took two kids to make up gymnastics in the morning.
Thursday we did school I guess. Can't remember. It's a blur. I know she did some work this week and Thursday must've been when she did it. We did have friends from out of town come for the TCU v BYU game and we went to dinner. My sister had come in the morning and we exercised. I stayed up late talking to our friends.
FRiday, today, I was so sick I slept late, although it was more like lying there in misery. I took tylenol all day and it's apparent that baby is sick as well as she cries whenever put down.
I took CC#1 to her make up gymnastics and I think we're going to switch her to Fridays. I met a nice homeschooler there, since it's a for homeschoolers class.
Then I went clothes shopping and spent $27 on a shirt and pants outfit for little kid, two blouses, two skirts, and a nice pair of pants. It wasn't even a thrift store amazingly.
Then I cooked dinner and sister came over and we exercised and painted pumpkins with the kids. It was fun but I am so wiped out. I am sick and hurting from working out. Such a stupid thing to do, I'm sure.
We'll do more academic things next week and hopefully I'll be feeling better.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Days 27, 28, & 29: Why I have to do this post every single day!
I just cannot remember what we did on those days! I know it was more low key this week. We didn't do any big projects and had to go to the doctor and other appointments that interrupted our time.
CC#1 mostly did the basics every day. We're a little behind on history now but that is all.
CC#2 is still making strides in reading.
I'm a little worried about this upcoming week because we have an over scheduled week. We're going to the zoo tomorrow (Monday the 13th) and on Wed playgroup is at our house after which we have an appointment. I know Tuesday I'm going to be trying to clean the house.
Well, we'll do what we can! Day 30 already! I can't believe how time flies!
CC#1 mostly did the basics every day. We're a little behind on history now but that is all.
CC#2 is still making strides in reading.
I'm a little worried about this upcoming week because we have an over scheduled week. We're going to the zoo tomorrow (Monday the 13th) and on Wed playgroup is at our house after which we have an appointment. I know Tuesday I'm going to be trying to clean the house.
Well, we'll do what we can! Day 30 already! I can't believe how time flies!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Day #26
Today a sister came over and so I had her company. I admit I was a little distracted from the school schedule. CC#1 got a little distracted as well. She did some math, spelling, writing, language, reading, and we had story time.
CC#2 did her letter page and we read some readers together, reviewing letter sounds.
Over the weekend we went on a train ride, watched the movie Alaska and learned about polar bears, and played Egyptians.
CC#2 did her letter page and we read some readers together, reviewing letter sounds.
Over the weekend we went on a train ride, watched the movie Alaska and learned about polar bears, and played Egyptians.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Day 25
CC#1 has a sinus infection. The kids all have allergies (middle child the worst) but they are all suffering. I think CC#1 has had this infection for a little while and it's time for antibiotics. She complained of not feeling well but two minutes later her sickness couldn't restrain her from her hyperactive nature and she was skipping everywhere and bouncing out of her seat.
She did accomplish math and spelling test plus a review lesson and handwriting. She did some reading and I read a history lesson to her. I read to them and CC#2 did some work pages as well.
Glad this week's school is over.
Tomorrow we go for a special activity plus an art museum and gymnastics followed by guests coming in from out of town.
She did accomplish math and spelling test plus a review lesson and handwriting. She did some reading and I read a history lesson to her. I read to them and CC#2 did some work pages as well.
Glad this week's school is over.
Tomorrow we go for a special activity plus an art museum and gymnastics followed by guests coming in from out of town.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Day 24
They just don't think she's going to do well. No one expects her to succeed against Biden. I can't help it...I'm going to watch.
Today I had CC#1 do math early and then we went to playgroup. It was good for the kids but for some reason my stress level was through the roof today. When we got home, although NOTHING bad had happened with the kids other than normal stuff, I had to go into the office and shut the door and even cried a little.
I was really surprised because I have been trying to be SO relaxed, about school and everything. By relaxed, I mean, not get frustrated and demanding.
CC#1 did spelling, handwriting, a writing assignment and read stories. CC#2 and I read a lot together. She's reading words on flashcards and I'm having her "read" little readers now. She loves it and it actually seemed to fire CC#2 up to read more, as if that was needed.
Then we went to ballet and the library, home for dinner, after which CC#1 and I did history and played a game about our subject, The Egyptians. I bought the game from MindWare (favorite favorite) some time ago and that is a great game.
CC#1 was actually almost too distracted to play the game. When it wasn't her turn she was running to the couch to read from her selected library books (about Easter).
Today I had CC#1 do math early and then we went to playgroup. It was good for the kids but for some reason my stress level was through the roof today. When we got home, although NOTHING bad had happened with the kids other than normal stuff, I had to go into the office and shut the door and even cried a little.
I was really surprised because I have been trying to be SO relaxed, about school and everything. By relaxed, I mean, not get frustrated and demanding.
CC#1 did spelling, handwriting, a writing assignment and read stories. CC#2 and I read a lot together. She's reading words on flashcards and I'm having her "read" little readers now. She loves it and it actually seemed to fire CC#2 up to read more, as if that was needed.
Then we went to ballet and the library, home for dinner, after which CC#1 and I did history and played a game about our subject, The Egyptians. I bought the game from MindWare (favorite favorite) some time ago and that is a great game.
CC#1 was actually almost too distracted to play the game. When it wasn't her turn she was running to the couch to read from her selected library books (about Easter).
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