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Connections
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I have one second and one third grader (and a newborn- which is why I have not posted much lately). I keep questioning and adjusting the AMOUNT of work we do each day. One thing seems like too much. Then I wonder if I am doing too little.
How do you decide how much is enough in your school day?
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Tracey
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mom2mpr
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| Posted: Oct 05 2009 at 6:57pm | IP Logged
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How happy everyone is??
I can drive myself, and family, crazy doing a lot of school. Lately, I have found if we do some (3-4 subjects a day), and relax a little, homeschooling is so pleasant. My kids are 1st and 6th. I figure they are also "getting" whatever I am trying to teach/expose them too. Rather than my feeling like I am throwing stuff at them and some sinks in and other stuff....well, has just been thrown..
Anne
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Paula in MN
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I agree!!!
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 Paula
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Willa
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Great question! I think when you have a newborn, you need to count that as one huge immersion unit study 
Then a bit of maintenance math and reading.
DS needs to get on the computer for a test so I have to stop there. I could have gone on and on though!
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Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
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helene
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I agree with "how happy everyone is"!!!!!!
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Happy Mom to five girls (20,17,13,11and 4) and five boys (19, 15, 10, 8 and 6)
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Mackfam
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Willa wrote:
| Great question! I think when you have a newborn, you need to count that as one huge immersion unit study |
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I AGREE!!! I also agree with what everyone else says - I look to my children and observe them. If I have a newborn, I'm definitely not stressed about all the extra stuff. Days are simple and the moments with baby are treasured. There is as much to learn in that than in books and lessons, probably more so.
So...observing the children I'd probably ask myself...
** Have we covered the basics? Something simple in math, a little reading, some catechism questions or catechism lesson (whatever you're using) and maybe a picture book?
** Are the children content? Stay right there!
** Are the children bored? Be creative - freshen reading baskets, rearrange art supplies, set out coloring books or art papers in a different way, rearrange your manipulative shelf, your games. Re-arrange and set out a collection of some of your geography materials - puzzles, atlas, maps. I'm always amazed at what a bump the materials we already own get if I just re-arrange! I'm not suggesting a total home re-do with the baby!!! Just pick one little collection and re-arrange it and see what happens! My kids love it when I rearrange and if I feel a material or resource is languishing - I need only rearrange it or move it and all of a sudden it is fresh again and there is a little self motivation involved with the children.
** Are the children frustrated and acting out? Frustration generally says something is feeling out of place - there is too much work, or the work is above the child's abilities. Back off especially in the area you sense frustration and angst. Ease back in very gently.
** Could the behavior frustrations just be a symptom of lack of routine? Sometimes we're doing plenty, but the kids are feeling a little unsettled - there's a new little person or some other big change and they're insecure and looking for a safety net. A very simple routine is very, very reassuring.
I've had some difficult survival years, Tracey, where all we did was read together for many months. In those times, I gave myself permission to allow the day to look completely different from what we were used to...or how I had envisioned. I gave myself permission to be content in the moment, knowing that God had handed us the moment. I did what I was able; I was as intentional as I could be. Our reading selections were rich and wide. We thrived on experience rather than planned structure. It was lovely! I was so grateful for the grace to just relax into that moment and just be. There were many lessons in there for me, and the kids observed and were a part of so much that was of supernatural value that you can't check off on a lesson planner or submit for academic review.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
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Sarah M
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Well, I bet you know what I'm going to say before I say it, Tracey.   I think all the thoughts here are spot-on. I gauge how well we are doing based on how content everyone is, how well everyone is getting along with each other, and whether or not we are making a bit of progress. Sometimes it's hard to see the progress on a daily scale, but you can look to your week or even a whole month at a time. I like to write out what we've done school-wise after the week is over- that helps me realize that we are getting to more than we thought we had! As long as we are moving forward (even if it is only a teeny tiny bit at a time!) I feel like we are on the right track.
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Connections
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| Posted: Oct 07 2009 at 3:50pm | IP Logged
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Thank you ladies!
Much needed perspective in all of your posts!
Blessings,
Tracey
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4Real Forums : Philosophy of Education
Topic: Too Much/ Too Little
