Life, after the newest member of our family has joined us, is just starting to feel normal again. We are just beginning to feel a nice rhythm in our days finally.
Since we started a Waldorf inspired approach in our homeschooling almost a year ago, our school days are so much more peaceful. The way you would imagine they should be. After breakfast, (this may happen before or after beds are made/children dressed depending how early we are up), there is chores. After chores we have family devotions/Worship/music/song/dance/listening prayer. Then we move into their main lesson. I love the character building in the stories we read together during these lessons.
I love the patience the children have learned and enjoy colouring, and colouring, and colouring. In most Waldorf approaches, children create their own text books. There is a lot of copy work - and as creative as it seems - they are required to copy my drawings (which are really so simple, any adult can do it with the guidance they give in the curriculum) as well as their school work before they can freelance away. Of course they definitely can take some creative liberties as well. Like many alternative educational approaches, Waldorf embraces "better a little late, than too early!"
What's your favorite tool to help with the structure of your day?
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It sounds lovely! We feel a bit chaotic here between ditching our curriculum (again!) and living in two places (home on the weekends when my husband is home, and at Grammy's house during the week when my husband has to work 4 hours away). AND, my husband just had surgery. Oh my, we're a chaotic bunch. But, he's home for the week after surgery, which is nice, and the break in curriculum is good timing. We just ordered a whole new curriculum yesterday that I'm excited about. Sonlight. I'm hoping it is the answer to our homeschool woes. Our OLD rythm sounded a bit like yours. We do mama sanity time too, and all rest with books on beds. Its lovely! WHEN we had structure, I'd say my best tool was consistency! If I was consistent with the chore chart, and the school time, and the rest time, and the play times, the day ended with kids tired from a good day, and me feeling we'd accomplished enough. I can't wait for those days again!!!!
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DeleteHi Jenny -Yay- I finally figured out my comments settings so I can actually reply to them! Wow, what a season for you. The children must love all the extra time they get with Grammy! And you, as chaotic as it seems, maybe it's grace time for you, just to have another adult around so you can get some of that peace and rest that one needs when they've gone through what you have! wow that was a run-on sentence.
DeleteForst of all, those photos look great. Clearly your investment (in camera and practice) has payed off. My three littlest ones aren't made to sit for schoolwork at any point, unless they seem interested. They get to play, pretty much all day, with breaks for snack, lunch and naps. This isn't normally my "style". I was so structured with Owen at even a very young age. Maybe that's why he prefers the structure and has flourished academically.
ReplyDeleteConsistency is KEY! We LOVE the schedule we have worked out for Owen. I make it big and post it on the wall. We had so many arguments when we just played it by ear. When ever Maggie had a surgery we would agree to do extra work so he could have a break while she recovered (I recovered really). These breaks have to be planned in advance. If ever he wants a break (to go to Grandma's for a few days or something) he has to come to me with a plan of how to make up the time. Sometimes it means giving up his weekend to get the work done.
I give him a lot of time to complete each subject and he usually completes a 9-3 day in less that 2 hours. Generally our day starts with getting dressed, breakfast, clean-up, worship (which all the children LOVE), then playtime for the little ones and school for Owen. He will often does it all in the order we set for him. We have used horizons for two years now. I thought about switching this year but for Owen I know consistency is so important and he seems to respond well to these books so why change a good thing?
Most days he's done before lunch so he can be my little helper and/or be dismissed to just play or read. I am feeling like I should really get these soon to be 4 year old boys in the mix more. I just know that is the age where I need to get more hands on and prepare. I have just been spoiled with a 7yr old who schools himself. I guess because I know what's coming having two I'm putting it off (maybe a bit fearful).
Good work PJ. I love your family so much. You can see the hard work and dedication show through in your children. How they play, how they speak to you and your husband. You are doing a good work in their lives. I know it doesn't always feel like it and there are always days when we feel we should be doing more (and maybe could) but in the bigger picture the small investments really do pay off. God Bless!
Thanks Donna! You are such a Mama-trouper! Amazing!
DeleteI forgot to mention Donna - most of the photos on my blog - including the ones from this post are taken with my simple Sony point and shoot camara. The Dig. slr Pentax - I am still learning my way around it, and often just find it quicker to grab the old sony. The biggest secret in taking photographs is the right time of day with the right amount of light coming through the window. Sunlight compared to a flash makes all the difference....tho i'm just a recreational rookie.
DeleteI just keep a schedule, which, as you know, can be hard at times. But I am one of those people that NEEDS that schedule to keep my sanity. We always start with breakfast, chores & scripture, too, which usually is a coloring sheet pertaining to whatever verse I'm reading. Then we just keep the same school schedule every week; unless we have an experiment or field trip or something one day. ...I don't know why, but I loved the basket of crayons. My kids have pencil boxes, and the crayons STILL go every which way! ha, ha. Maybe I need a big box, too.
ReplyDeleteI followed a link from pinterest and found your blog. I smile to think about another family pursing life and faith so similarly. We are Waldorf inspired homeschooler, my oldest (of four) is also named Selah, and I have a similar profile description. I know this is over a year since this particular post of yours, but I just had to share. God bless, Charis
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