The Learning Curve

Mine that is...  Although today went very well with the same high levels of enthusiasm, I confess my self-doubt has gotten the better of me today.  I sat down with Thing 1 to teach a math lesson and realized I don't know how to teach math.  I mean, I can read the concepts out of the book but presenting them in a dynamic format is a talent I have not yet mastered.  I wish I could say I handled it with grace and faked my way through, but instead I blurted out to Thing 1, "Honey, I don't know how to teach math!"  She replied without hesitation and with the unbridled confidence of a 9 year old, "Just give me the sheet and let me do it!"  And do it she did.  Bless her heart.  Tomorrow, I shall have to be better prepared.  But this little incident has me wondering if I can possibly teach my children anything at all.

Thing 2 and I worked on correcting some of his poor handwriting habits.  He worked willingly and patiently.  I think he'll do well in kindergarten this year.  As he sat down at the table to work with me, he said "I'm so glad we finally started homeschooling."  I asked, "Why?"  He quickly replied, "because it's so fun!"  (As I said, enthusiasm remains high, thankfully.)

After some handwriting and math for each child, we spent recess at the park, meeting up with some old friends from preschool.  It was great to see familiar faces.  After the park, we did our science lesson and then it was off to the zoo for our field trip.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera; the dolphin show that we had planned to attend wasn't until later in the afternoon, and it was (as Thing 1 would say) 'bee-sting' hot.  So instead of the dolphin show, we ate our picnic lunch, hit the stingray tank, and then took the zoo tram to see the wolves and bears.  The kids both drew/wrote in their science journals so all was not lost.  But, it looks like a repeat field trip is in our near future (the dolphin is our mascot and we have to see the show, and I need to get photos for our yearbook).  Thank goodness for zoo membership and the flexibility of homeschooling!

Day 1 of Homeschooling!

Thing 1 woke up at 6:00 AM, so excited she couldn't sleep one more wink.  She donned a carefully chosen outfit complete with cerulean tights (one of our school colors), brushed her hair, and asked when we could start school.  What more can a teacher ask for?  Thing 2 woke about an hour later, also ready to go.

With enthusiasm bubbling over, we ended up starting school at 8:00 instead of the appointed start time of 8:30.  Our day began with calendar, weather, and saying the pledge (Thing 2 will have to memorize this over time).  Next on the agenda were the 'All About Me Posters' for display in our classroom this year.  I felt like the kids rushed through (perhaps I should have drawn out their work a bit more), but we got them done and hung up, complete with photos of their shiny, happy faces taken just this morning.

After the posters, we had snack and recess and then moved on to our first science lesson.  We are studying animals.  Fun fact of the day: 50% of the world's animals live in the rainforests, which comprise just 6% of the earth's landmass.  Thing 1 absorbed that fact and included it in her science notebook along with a carefully drawn and colored butterfly.  Thing 2, not so much...  But science is gravy for him this year.  For him, basic reading, writing, and math are all I expect.

Our afternoon included a field trip to purchase goldfish for the classroom.  Who knew that 2 goldfish and all their attendant supplies would cost over 80 dollars?  I didn't, that's for sure.  I suppose it's a small price to pay to see all the joy it brings the kids.  Thing 1 quipped on the way to the pool this evening, "Mom, have you ever been so happy you just feel like you want to burst?"  I do know that feeling, and at that moment, I felt ready to burst myself.  Without a doubt, it was a successful first day.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 work on their science journals

Last Day of Summer!

It was our last day of summer and my 40th birthday.  And what a day it was - I taught yoga this morning, then we headed to the beach for a day of "basking in the sun," as Thing 2 likes to call it.

Wisdom of the day:  Enjoy the little things in life, for someday you will realize they were the big things.

My little things for today:  Thing 1 and Thing 2 playing in the water, burying each other in the sand, laughing, smiling, the sunshine, family, friends, yoga, rhubarb crisp, the Olympics, peace in my heart and in my home.  Today was a big day full of little things.

Tomorrow, we start school!  Stay tuned...

Testing, Testing

1st blog post!  Am I really doing this?  Me, the least-likely-to-blog mom on the block?  Lesson learned, never say 'never.'  Thing 2 is begging for more breakfast.  I'll be back later to play some more!  (P.S.  Those are some scenes from summer above.)