So we started the home schooling and there have been some wonderful moments. I am working with, Mrs. Lloyd, a lovely and patient teacher at our local public school. At first, I was hell bent and rigid to get my hours in and followed a lesson plan to the “T”! It was efficient and I found that we accomplished all the lessons in a matter of a few hours. Then, with Mrs Lloyd’s encouragement, I started to relax and enjoy the lessons and looked for creative ways to extend the lessons. There was less and less paper work to turn in to Mrs. Lloyd and more and more to talk about!
Pilar couldn’t wait to give her some home made scones and butter from our colonial history lesson. She baked and brought her a home made loaf of Irish Soda bread. Pilar was embarrassed to give it to her because she thought it turned out ugly. Mrs. Lloyd took one look at it and exclaimed, “It looks so beautiful and rustic, just like you baked in a colonial oven!” We have taken trips…everywhere! The California Science Museum (photo above), the History museum, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a California Mission… we turn all these trips into learning opportunities. She joined a book club for kids her age, I didn’t even know they existed! We visited her older sister, Anna Maria, who gathers wool and spins her own yarn. We sat and spun with her all day. It really brought home what being a colonist went through to provide for their families. Pilar has read 4 books in one month. In 11 years of being read to and 6 years of reading on her own, Pilar has never liked to read. Once the formatted book reports were no longer required, books came alive to her and she loves reading! We have done several science experiments…3 on one day! We took pictures and discussed the process of diffusion and osmosis.
I am more relaxed in my teaching and proud of my daughters capabilities and skills. As you can see, I have had time to blog!
Sure there are lows. I am on the other end of every bad mood and temper tantrum. If I do not reach out for support and ask my husband for help, I get overwhelmed. I will write a separate blog about the meltdowns and how I didn’t even take my own advice. Stay tuned!