I became so frustrated when THE STUDENT (TS) did not share my focus for the day. Then the frustration turned to self-doubt, which lead to re-examining the entire decision to Homeschool. The result was a confused and frustrated child with a self-conscience depressed mom.
A veteran Homeschool mom gave me the best advice so far.
- This is not about YOU, it about the child.
- If you are not enjoying it, then the child is not either.
- Step back, get prayer focused and relax.
She was right. So, I stepped back and prayed and prayed and prayed….. The next day I asked TS what he wanted to learn if he could pick the subjects in school and his list was a revelation.
- Play (but of course), but play more frequently to get the wiggles out.
- Learn about trains…everything how they are made, how the move and what is in them.
- I want to play music. (Very focused and very clear.) I want to know about the kinds of music. I want to know what music there is in the world.
- Art…more painting please.
- Who are my family? Why are we a family?
- Planets, stars and countries…all the world stuff.
- I want to make friends.
Okay that list alone was enough for the first year with any Kindergartner. In each item, I saw the opportunity to put in the basics like handwriting, self-care, math and science. Reading is in sustaining mode as he reads on 1st grade level.
Due to a horrible, Montessori experience handwriting, cutting, pasting and art where areas he avoided. Imagine someone telling a 4 year old that he has terrible cutting skills, HE IS 4! Way to build the old self esteem.
So that is how we came up with the plan.
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