Dry Soil

Our first day of school was like pouring water on dry soil.

I'm notorious for letting our potted plants get so dry that the water runs off rather than soaking in.  Well, that was what our first day was like.  I was trying to put something into these kids but they were so "dry" that the information ran off before it ever had a chance to soak in, even slightly.  On one child I could actually see the run-off (in the form of tears of frustration).

I know that you have to gradually add water and give it time to soak into the soil. Eventually you will increase the soil's ability to retain moisture.  But, it takes time.  I thought I was starting my kids off slowly today.  I guess not.

Planning - so tired.

Spent the past two days planning school.  bleeeh.  I'm so tired.  And ya know what I accomplished?  I have planned a grand total of .....drum roll..... four weeks for the 8yo and 12yo.  I have nothing planned for the 15yo.  Nada.

But (my favorite word), I have a template for the younger two, so I'm hoping this will go much quicker in the future.

Now, what to do with the girl who wants to spend every waking hour on the computer playing Runescape...

Not the best

I had a not-so-proud-of-myself aha moment this morning.  I was reading a homeschool thread about why homeschool parents would never consider public school for their children when I realized that I only plan to deliver a mediocre education.  I've never thought that I could give my kids an education that excelled or even matched the public schools.  I've only thought of it as different.  All of my planning takes the form of "what can we cover in a year" vs. "what is the most excellent education we can achieve in a year."  Are my kids not worthy of my best efforts?  Is homeschool just another thing to check off of my to-do list?

The Book Samaritan

One of the pros of homeschooling is individualized instruction.  It can also be a drawback when you realize that a particular curriculum item isn't going to work for your child....especially if it is the youngest child.  When something doesn't work with older siblings you can store the workbook/textbook to try it with a younger child in the future.  When it is the youngest child that the curriculum doesn't work for you are forced to deal with how to dispose of said item.

I've tried selling online.  Not a good fit for me as I'm a procrastinator and buyers understandably want their item as soon as possible.  I've tried the local used homeschool book sale.  That's discouraging because you end up having to sell it for dirt cheap.  Honestly, I would rather give it to someone who needs it rather than sell it for practically nothing.  That's where The Book Samaritan comes in.  This group of volunteers receives used homeschool materials and then disperses them to families in need for free.

This week I finally gave up on a curriculum choice that I had made four years ago.  It didn't work for child #3, so I tucked it away in the closet.  And now, it has proven not to be a good fit for her younger sister either.  I liked it, but I don't need help with reading.  It was a bit painful, but I admitted defeat, put on my big girl panties, and shipped the books off to The Book Samaritan this week.  Kind of reminds me of the Island of Misfit Toys. ; )