I would guess that, like everyone else, homeschoolers have good days and bad.
Over the past several years, I've noticed that our best learning occurs when we have several quiet days at home in a row. The boys seem to settle into their studies with better focus. For that reason, I've always tried to organize our outside activities in such a way that we do not leave home every day of the week.
That said, sometimes life intervenes and field trips, outside lessons, doctor's appointments or workmen at the house interrupt the boys' studies. Such has been the case for the past two weeks.
When these times occur and we then have a day to work without interruption, the boys seem to have to test to see whether they really have to study. Those days are frustrating for me, especially because I feel pressed to cover material. As I have said repeatedly, my sons' first instinct is always to use their considerable abilities is to find ways to get out of studying.
Tonight, I could easily feel ready to throw in the towel. Instead, however, I'm going to focus on a few key moments. For example, after first completing a handout with slipshod one-word answers and being directed to start over, Landry produced a thoughtful, well written piece of work in a short order with absolutely no input from me. And Kipp, who feigns ignorance to avoid work, completed several math worksheets with ease and thoroughly enjoyed looking up new vocabulary words in his dictionary when he realized that his excuses would not pass muster.
No, some days I don't enjoy my job, especially when it requires that I play taskmaster. Then again, these may be the days when I am most valuable. I believe a day will come with Landry and Kipp will find goals that each wants to accomplish. When that day comes, each will be unstoppable. Until that day arrives, however, I will help them to see of what they are capable when they make the effort and are held to a reasonable standard.
Over the past several years, I've noticed that our best learning occurs when we have several quiet days at home in a row. The boys seem to settle into their studies with better focus. For that reason, I've always tried to organize our outside activities in such a way that we do not leave home every day of the week.
That said, sometimes life intervenes and field trips, outside lessons, doctor's appointments or workmen at the house interrupt the boys' studies. Such has been the case for the past two weeks.
When these times occur and we then have a day to work without interruption, the boys seem to have to test to see whether they really have to study. Those days are frustrating for me, especially because I feel pressed to cover material. As I have said repeatedly, my sons' first instinct is always to use their considerable abilities is to find ways to get out of studying.
Tonight, I could easily feel ready to throw in the towel. Instead, however, I'm going to focus on a few key moments. For example, after first completing a handout with slipshod one-word answers and being directed to start over, Landry produced a thoughtful, well written piece of work in a short order with absolutely no input from me. And Kipp, who feigns ignorance to avoid work, completed several math worksheets with ease and thoroughly enjoyed looking up new vocabulary words in his dictionary when he realized that his excuses would not pass muster.
No, some days I don't enjoy my job, especially when it requires that I play taskmaster. Then again, these may be the days when I am most valuable. I believe a day will come with Landry and Kipp will find goals that each wants to accomplish. When that day comes, each will be unstoppable. Until that day arrives, however, I will help them to see of what they are capable when they make the effort and are held to a reasonable standard.
It seems that my days seem to fall into two categories, wonderful days full of learning or awful days where I completely doubt my ability to go on another day. On the bad days, I try hard to remember the good day feeling.
I know what you mean about the distractions getting in the way. We had a week like that also. All of the outside activities were good learning experiences, so I try to tell myself if I'd stop thinking all education needs to take place in a traditional way, I might not feel as bad.
Your kids will be far better equipped than most to deal with getting work done during the distractions of life instead of only in the sterile environment of a classroom.
When you described Kipp as "feigning ignorance to avoid work" you could well be describing my Woody. "I don't know" is his favorite refrain when he wants to get out of doing something!
You are doing a great job with the boys! And when they are older they will realize just what an amazing learning environment they were allowed to thrive in!
Amita
I'm inspired by how you focused on the positives Annie! :) I have to remember this when we have one of 'those' days.
Thank you all. I genuinely appreciate these comments. It's nice to know we all struggle with the same issues at times.