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Connections
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| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 11:53am | IP Logged
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We do not have a schedule to our days, but we do have a rhythm. What do you do when your children are playing or engaged in something and it is "time" to move onto something you planned (read aloud, math etc.)? And if you let them continue to play (which, btw, almost always involves creative messes here), how do you "deal" with the disruptions in the rhythm?
Disruptions in our rhythm really get ME off track. The children seem fine and tend to "go with the flow." But I feel "off" when we do not follow our daily rhythms. At the same time, I do not want to stop them from their play- especially when they are working together and being creative (even if it's not something "eduational" they are doing).
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Blessings,
Tracey
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SuzanneG
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| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 2:20pm | IP Logged
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I let them play. The time they are able to spend playing and working together as siblings is one of the biggest benefits of home educating to me. I feel "off" too....but, it's worth it.
Also, the things that they engage in and "play" is so much a part of their development and "work" at that particular time.....they NEED whatever they are playing....it's part of their education.
Once they start bickering or not getting along, then I wrap it up and move onto what *I had planned.*
I use this time to catch up (and maybe even get ahead  ), or do whatever I would've done by myself later....it all works out in the end.
disclaimer: my girls are 7.5 and under......so maybe I'd feel different if they were older???>? Not sure.....
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Suzanne in ID
Wife to Pete
Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)
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Sarah M
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| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 3:45pm | IP Logged
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I'm with Suzanne- I let them play, too. Those times when they are all playing creatively and kindly with one another are just about the best reason to homeschool, and I usually don't have it in me to break it up. Mine are all 6 and under, though, so what we *plan* usually isn't of any more value than playing, anyway.
I'm one of those types that really likes to make a schedule/rhythm, and keep to it. It really stretches me to *go with the flow*. I just consider it one of those ways God is teaching me that I am not nearly as *in control* as I think I am - it really teaches me to trust. Trust God AND trust my children.
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 7:26pm | IP Logged
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It depends. If it is productive play (however you may want to define that), then I let them keep on playing and sneak in a little "play time" for myself. Or get some quick chores done. If it is just goofing off, then I'll go ahead and round them up and suggest we get started with our plans for the day, whatever they may be.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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amyable
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| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 7:34pm | IP Logged
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lapazfarm wrote:
| It depends. If it is productive play (however you may want to define that), then I let them keep on playing and sneak in a little "play time" for myself. Or get some quick chores done. If it is just goofing off, then I'll go ahead and round them up and suggest we get started with our plans for the day, whatever they may be. |
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Ditto that. 
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Amy
mom of 5, ages 6-16, and happy wife of 
The Highly Sensitive Homeschooler
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Aug 19 2008 at 8:54am | IP Logged
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lapazfarm wrote:
| It depends. If it is productive play (however you may want to define that), then I let them keep on playing and sneak in a little "play time" for myself. Or get some quick chores done. If it is just goofing off, then I'll go ahead and round them up and suggest we get started with our plans for the day, whatever they may be. |
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This is exactly what we do. 
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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allegiance_mom
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| Posted: Aug 20 2008 at 8:47am | IP Logged
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I like to stick the the general rhythm of our day. Because if I don't, the boys will get the message that "hey, mom will let us keep playing. We won't have to do ..... (whatever). We'll run out of time like we did yesterday!" It's amazing how they pick up on that.
At some point they have to have a work ethic. As long as it is not "all work and no play!"
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Allegiance Mom in NY
Wife 17 years
Mom to two boys, 14 and 8, and one pre-born babe in Heaven (Jan 2010)
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Children Playing/Maintaining Rhythm
