Today was our first official day of the 2014-2015 year. My house has officially a 7th grader and two 3rd graders. To say I'm a little overwhelmed is an understatement.
My day began quite early, because unlike the kids, I am an early riser. Not by choice, but necessity as I have to be at work early every day.
I made the kids a special breakfast since it was their first day: Cinnamon rolls. I wish I had taken a picture, but there wasn't time or any left for that matter.
The kids were eager to start, if only so they could get in their workboxes and dig out the snacks I had placed in there last night after they went to bed. We started our morning with a prayer and off we went.
The day was long, and it had its moments (meltdowns and tears) but overall we had a much better day than we did a year ago. We all know what to expect and we all know the work has to get done.
In a matter of hours, I realized how grateful I am that two of my kids are twins; because I honestly don't know how moms of more than 1 kid homeschool. Trying to figure out how to schedule time on the computer was the very first hurdle I encountered. No matter how well planned it was in my planner, one of the boys took his sweet time completing the assignment; while his sister waited to get started on hers.
I finally just sent my husband to buy a laptop because, well, we just need one. That made the rest of the day go a lot smoother. It allowed my daughter to do her school work without the constant "get off the computer, it's my turn" chant.
The twins received a reminder that their school work is their responsibility, not mine or their dad's. If they take all day; well they will have no free time. So use your time wisely. This year we are back to using agendas; so they have no excuse for not knowing what they are supposed to do.
We started with a lighter load this week; which I think made a huge difference today. We will add geography, art, and history next week, once we have a routine going. I really need to find an online curriculum for Spanish, because as much as I want to teach them at night, it's just not happening. Their time around me needs to be so they can practice their Spanish; not for lessons. Off to find something that will satisfy me.
My 7th grader will also be getting a lesson in time management this year. I have not scheduled her day as I did her brothers. I've given her assignments that need to be completed each day; and reminded her all has to be done; no exceptions. I'm here to guide her on how to manage her day but I want to see her try first. I won't always be there to do it for her; and I've seen my share of people in the real world who have zero time management skills in the workplace.
I'm cautiously optimistic that this year will go a lot smoother than last. We are doing a year round schedule so we have a lot of flexible time, for those times when life happens; or mom just needs a vacation.
Oh and I leave you with our newly redone study room aka dining room
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