Every year about this time, it becomes evident, somethings just aren't working. My energy and focus have been rejuvenated by Christmas break, life is slower and the bitter temperatures leave us primarily indoors. School takes center stage once again.
With two weeks of school under our belts, it is time to start making a few changes.Changes I will be making concerning myself:
- Reading from the Bible will start between 8:30 and 8:45 am. It will be done daily without exception.
- I will focus my mornings primarily on school work. This means I will not be trying new recipes, talking on the phone or on the computer during the morning hours.
- When my older children are working independently, I will be looking over school work schedules, grading, familiarizing myself with their lessons or working on curriculum.
- I will talk with my child about his lessons and not allow him to 'get by' without truly understanding what he is doing.
- My child will not be allowed to move on to the next lesson until the current lesson is fully understood. If this puts us behind my schedule, so be it. It is more important the concept being worked on is understood.
- I will fully embrace the calling God has given me to teach my children. December was a busy month full of activities, mostly extra church work, but my first priority must be my children. I failed in that during the month of December.
- Bible memorization will be due each Friday without exception. The younger children will have workbook time with me for their Bible memorization. I am ashamed that this is the first thing I tend to skip when things get crazy.
- Writing in complete sentences and handwriting neatness will be required.
- Words that are continually misspelled will be added on to their spelling lists.
- I will not raise my voice, the children will be required to listen the first time. If they don't, extra writing, drill sheets, or a run outside to burn energy will be given.
- The girls will have quiet reading time in separate parts of the room or in separate rooms. They have gotten far too chatty, giggly, and silly to have quiet time together. Don't get me wrong, they are hilarious to listen to, but they have become a big distraction!
- We will take the time to have coffee & cocoa game mornings, with friends. School does not have to be done by noon.
What changes will you be making for the second half of the year?
3 comments:
Like your new schedule. I have started a new schedule that has been working great. Since we have a toddler that naps, I keep the mornings open and do school after lunch. That way the little guy can get some attention and I can get some housework done. Also gives me a good start to work with our 1st grader without tons of interuptions.
we have begun a new schedule here using "Managers of Their Homes" a practical guide to daily scheduling for homeschool families.
It is working well as we have WAY more time in our day to get everything done and it has effected attitudes and behaviour in a positive way! The thing I like about it most is that it goes right along with our goal to parent with purpose!
I really, really like your list. I also need to sit down and take stock of what worked last semester, and what didn't. We have not started back to school yet! We finished in early December, and just got back from Disney. I plan to start back Jan. 17. I have got a full list of "getting ready" items: making weekly checklists, studying my 11yos new math and writing curr., and planning our days......right now my two youngest have the flu, so I am spending most of my time on the couch or in a bed between the two of them. I have been catching up on my Bible reading during this time though.
I am going to study your list again and borrow a few items for our family.
Roan
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