And we're OFF... Another school year has started in the McQ House and we are off to a Great start!
Homeschool is something that I consider a discipline... For me, to get up and get ready (no school in pajamas) first thing in the morning and get everyone on a routine from the beginning of the day... I tend to believe that I am the one who sets the "attitude" for the morning and will sometimes put more pressure on myself then the kids do.
However, I often hear some whines, some excitement about school and even some humorous questions such as:
"Do we have to do school?"
"Can we take today off?"
"Can I just stay in my pajamas for school?"
My Answers (in order of the questions...) Yes. No. No.
This is my view for the most part... lesson plans, books, school supplies and a LARGE Cup of COFFEE!!! And of course, 2 smart kiddos on either side of "my mess"...
I often get to witness priceless views such as this one.
Morgan loves helping Micah read and helping him learn all the things she once learned in pre-K.
But despite some of the whines & humorous questions, they are always so on top of things when it comes to doing their seat work. Morgan is very bright and sometimes I think "bored" with the material presented... which allows me room for creativity and stretching her. Believe it or not, the material we are using, A Beka is already introducing/teaching cursive letters. And Morgan is excellent at them!
Pre-K is a lot of fun! I forget how intuitive 4 y/o's can be when it comes to school. I am already seeing Micah thinking ahead and trying to be "perfect" in his work. He often is hard on himself when he doesn't get the right answer the first time (which I then encourage him A LOT of how well he is doing). He often likes to compete with his Big Sister when it comes to answering questions... but he is such a Learner at Heart and is soaking everything up SO Quickly!
Oh Phonics and Blending Ladders!! How we have a "Love-Hate" relationship with you!
Love this!!!
I often give Micah "free time" during the 2nd half of our school morning. The other day, I found him sitting on his bed, reading to his stuffed animals. So Sweet!
We always find time to PLAY!
The kids often build forts with their bunk beds... play Barbies, Trains, etc together. I am so Thankful they play so well together!
One of our favorite "counters" are M&Ms!
Simple Addition/Subtraction isn't always the most "fun" for Morgan, but adding and subtracting M&Ms always serves as a Great Motivator for her. If she gets the problem correct, she gets to eat 1 M&M!!! (Funny how she gets excited when its Math Time now!)
Yes, we use the iPad as a "Station". There are so many great apps out there for kids and there's a great handwriting one that Micah uses to practice his letters. There are all sorts of counting, patterns, animals, etc. apps and its a great way of keeping the kids' attention rather then doing "desk" work the whole time. Thankful for technology!
Something new for Morgan that the curriculum has introduced is Poetry!
There is a new poem for each month to read, memorize and I add the extra artwork/craft. Morgan is doing extremely well with memorizing these days and she is especially doing excellent with her Bible verses!
So Yes, homeschool is a stretch for me, some days... an act of Discipline....
But oh the joys of watching my kids soak in new concepts and celebrating the small and big victories everyday!
My daily prayer:
"Oh Lord, help me to teach my children out of love. May I always encourage them when they are down and frustrated. May I always celebrate the small things and teach them to celebrate them too! Lord, thank you for the joy of teaching my children and making precious memories like we do. May I always put my role of Mommy first and give my Best to my children as it brings Glory to You. Amen."
(keep checking our blog as I plan to post a lot more pics/videos from homeschool plus all the other "crazy" things us, McQ's are up too!)
*Be sure and leave a comment, letting Morgan and Micah know how proud you are of them!
