Monday, August 25, 2008

Homeschool Day Part Deux

We've enrolled Audrey in a classical Christian program that has her learning at school 2 days a week and at home 2 days a week. The teacher at school introduces new concepts and sends with the students an assignment sheet and work to be done at home. The first day at home, last Wednesday, was a challenge. It took us both some time to adjust. A few things that helped me today were:

1. Hot yoga (as Matt and I lovingly call it because of the purposefully warm room) at 9:45 a.m. The "intention" I focused on during the class was Galatians 5:22 - 23 and 2:20. Fruits of the spirit, dying to self and the life of Christ living in me. This really, really helped.

2. I abandoned my nazi-homeschool-teacher ways. I think I was expecting too much. The poor girl was begging to play outside every few minutes. I've lightened up and have taken more breaks between "subjects."

3. I did more positive reinforcement in the verbal form. It's amazing how much words of affirmation give her the confidence to keep trying!

Of course, as it is obvious from the list above, most of the problem had to do with me. Surprise, surprise. But, at least it's the easiest thing to fix!

Until next time...


L is for Lion!

13 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Woohoo. I'm so glad that it's starting to work for you. I know that you will both really enjoy spending so much time together.

Love and hugs from us!!

Jessica @ FiveInSix said...

I'm sure you're doing great! Please keep blogging on this. I've been super curious about that school. Maya is only 3, so we have some time to make a decision, but I'd love to hear how this works for y'all. BTW - The kiddos are so cute! Can't believe how fast they're growing.

Sincerely,
Jessica Hewitt (aka Rik & Cindy Massengale's daughter) :-)

Ashley said...

Tell Audrey that the Lion was perfect. I could tell what it was even without the caption. :)

debra parker said...

I am afraid that I would be a nazi homeschool mom.

I am excited to live this through your blog.

Mary Virginia said...

I have been attending The Village for over a year, but only recently was I told about your blog. I think it is wonderful that you are home schooling. I was home schooled through elementary and those years are some of my sweetest memories I have with my mom. I know you will do a great job!

B-HO said...

Hey Lauren we missed you and Matt at the workshop last week for good reasons...just thought you might like to read this guys blog...he mentions you:)www.whyjustinwhy.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

you will learn what works with Audrey and what doesn't. Sometimes it is hard not to expect too much I still do it after homeschooling for 3 years already, and I think the beginning of each new year is the toughest. She is super smart anyway so everything will fall into place.

chavon taylor said...

miss you friend! so excited for audrey... she is such a wiz kid. she will be amazing!

John M. Kirton II said...

Homeschooling is great from what I hear . . . read The Christian Home School by Joshua Harris' father, Gregg Harris. GREAT resource!

Amanda said...

I have never heard of a kinder like that! what a great idea! this is my 5th year teaching at a public school and sometimes I get kind of crazy, but then I remember, I barely remember anything that I learned in high school (honestly) but I do remember how I felt around each teacher. not to put any pressure on you (wink)

Lettered Cottage said...

Just wanted to say, that family portrait of ya'll at the top of your blog is the one of the most beautiful photos I've even seen. You can really "feel" it. :-)

Layla
The Lettered Cottage

Dawntoya and Adam said...

This is awesome...I totally want to do this!

coneandmo said...

As a teacher... my school uses Love and Logic. As a whole staff we've read Jim Faye's book Teaching with Love and Logic. There is also a Parenting with Love and Logic book. It gives children choices, which helps them feel like they're important. It really works! Even with some of my most difficult students! Feel free to check it out. :)