I think our biggest trial in homeschooling right now is getting over whining. An interesting response to my cry for help from a friend who taught in public school said to me that she often found it easier for the kids to stop whining when the other kids would remind them of the rule to not whine. I suppose it is a lot easier with other kids around doing work, for a child to work without complaint. When I channel my school days I can remember the feeling of doing my work while others were doing it around me and I liked it. I never considered this. However, we've made up our mind about homeschooling and about our homeschool philosophy (we knew we would have to before we started), so this advantage is just out of the question for W. He is the oldest and he will just have to learn to stop whining. My goal: to be as patient as possible and act as if it the first time I am asking him to be happy, every time I ask him. THAT will be so tough! Luckily, this newfound knowledge brings me a bit of contentment about our homeschooling future. It will get easier as they are all sitting at the table doing their work. They'll be in it together.
Also, I'm looking for ways to make it just a bit more exciting for W, so he won't whine and complain much of the time. If anyone out there who reads my blog has ideas, please share. Fellow homeschoolers, what do you do, in your attitude, or your simple approach, to make school work less uninviting to your little pupils?
Here's an idea. Make a hat for the role you have when you are the "teacher", and a hat for your role as "principal" and a hat for your role as "mom" or "wife" or whatever role you have during school hours. Make a hat for each child, "student", "son", "brother", etc. When you start school, put on the hat. When the kids need discipline put on the principal hat. You can even keep a score card of how often a student has to see the principle. Maybe Dad can wear the principal hat. This would ensure that you keep a clearly defined view of what each person is to do during school hours. It might be a little silly at first, and even fun. You can have an art segment and make paper hats (there are tons of ideas on the Internet) and the kids can color or paint their hats. Another twist is to make a hat called "leader" and trade the responsibilities of leadership with each child. They can have specific duties as the leader, including setting an example.
ReplyDeleteThis is a challenging problem, but I am sure you will come up with something wonderful to solve this problem.
Love, Grandma
I love your idea! That sounds fun.
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