Friday, April 18, 2008
Life Happens
I went through the boys' workbooks and figured out how much they had to do in each to finish them by mid-May.
We got word 3 weeks ago that my MIL was terribly ill. We scrambled, made a trip to NC so she could meet her grandkids for the first time, returned. She died the day after we returned and my husband flew back to NC.
While we haven't completely given up schooling, we've missed a few days and my earlier plan is shot.
And I FINALLY realized -- so what?? Life happens. We work around it. There is absolutely NO reason that I needed to finish this academic year by a certain date. There is really no reason that we have to finish those workbooks at all this academic year.
Both boys can read. Perform mathematical calculations. Write. Draw. Learn new things wherever we are and whatever we're doing. They'll be fine.
I'm not saying that I should completely give up, or that I shouldn't make plans. But I can't be rigid either. While sitting in the car while traveling last week, suddenly C says "So, when I'm borrowing while doing math, I can only borrow tens, right?" And I looked at my husband and said "He's just sitting back there thinking about math. How awesome is that??"
We're still doing plenty of read alouds (currently reading Hardy Boys #1 and Wizard of Oz). Colin reads at least one book a day on his own (currently loving Geronomino Stilton). Nate is trying to figure out how to dig a trench in the backyard and is completely enthralled in the construction work going on next door. We had an impromptu spelling bee in the car today while dropping off our van for repairs. Both boys independently write and/or draw in their journals. They became Junior Rangers at Carl Sandburg's home in Hendersonville, NC.
Every day is a learning experience for my kids. Workbooks may reinforce the things they learn, but they aren't the main focus. They are smart. They are polite. They are right where they need to be.
I admit, though, that I won't be able to let the workbooks fall by the wayside. I have just adjusted and realized we'll be working into June. And that's OKAY!
We got word 3 weeks ago that my MIL was terribly ill. We scrambled, made a trip to NC so she could meet her grandkids for the first time, returned. She died the day after we returned and my husband flew back to NC.
While we haven't completely given up schooling, we've missed a few days and my earlier plan is shot.
And I FINALLY realized -- so what?? Life happens. We work around it. There is absolutely NO reason that I needed to finish this academic year by a certain date. There is really no reason that we have to finish those workbooks at all this academic year.
Both boys can read. Perform mathematical calculations. Write. Draw. Learn new things wherever we are and whatever we're doing. They'll be fine.
I'm not saying that I should completely give up, or that I shouldn't make plans. But I can't be rigid either. While sitting in the car while traveling last week, suddenly C says "So, when I'm borrowing while doing math, I can only borrow tens, right?" And I looked at my husband and said "He's just sitting back there thinking about math. How awesome is that??"
We're still doing plenty of read alouds (currently reading Hardy Boys #1 and Wizard of Oz). Colin reads at least one book a day on his own (currently loving Geronomino Stilton). Nate is trying to figure out how to dig a trench in the backyard and is completely enthralled in the construction work going on next door. We had an impromptu spelling bee in the car today while dropping off our van for repairs. Both boys independently write and/or draw in their journals. They became Junior Rangers at Carl Sandburg's home in Hendersonville, NC.
Every day is a learning experience for my kids. Workbooks may reinforce the things they learn, but they aren't the main focus. They are smart. They are polite. They are right where they need to be.
I admit, though, that I won't be able to let the workbooks fall by the wayside. I have just adjusted and realized we'll be working into June. And that's OKAY!
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