In my life this week…
The week started out well but later in the week I found myself not feeling so great. I am allergic to the most common grasses here in Australia and it seems my sinuses were on overdrive. So annoying as it all happens "behind the scenery" so I don't really realise there is an issue until I fall in a heap, tired and dragging. And being a breastfeeding mama I can't take many anti-histamines, not that I have found one that is effective anyway.
In our homeschool this week…
We did get some school done this week but by Thursday I realised I was letting the side down so nominated some websites for some school learning at the PC. My eldest worked on this one for some geography and world lessons and also tried his hand at Hangman (which he is not very good at so will be doing more of) for some spelling. All the kids used this site for some logic and maths games. My 9 year old had a lot of fun with a game called Wooden Paths 2. Even I liked it. The 6 year old used Starfall for some phonics but is now bored with it. It looks like I need to find another free phonics site.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
There wasn't much out and about stuff this week due to bubba being sick but we did get to our woodworking lesson. It is always a nice break for me from little voices. I love them but sometimes it is nice to have just an hour conversation with only an adult. The woodworking teacher's wife is lovely and we are having some great talks.
My favorite thing this week was…
Somewhere in my surfing this week I found this site and I had a great time reading all the posts on creating habits, ditching bad habits and just getting on with what we want to do. I really think that I am starting to get a handle on why my weight loss and exercise goals are not working. I like to know that there is hope and to know how to get my groove going.
What’s working/not working for us…
Ironically what worked well for us this last week was me finding a solution to those times when my allergies flare up and school is not working. Nice to have a Plan B, don't you think?
Computer school is not my most favourite solution but then with over 4 computers in this house it isn't hard to implement and it gets me off my PC so I can rest like I should when not feeling well, instead of sitting here feeling guilty for not having enough energy to do anything. (Oops, sorry for the run on sentence!)
Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…
I wonder what others have for their Plan B days. For when there are lots of appointments, or housework has become a mountain of yuk, or even just those once a month moments. How do you handle these down times?
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
A screen shot of the Wooden Paths game mentioned above.
Best wishes
Jen
Lots of car time or appointments= a book on tape or classical music to listen to. Books to take in the waiting room. Mountains of housework= the girls half school and half help for their day. Some times I just let them pick what they feel like writing. My bottom line activities on Plan B days are reading, writing and math.
ReplyDeleteMy husband suffers from grass allergies so I know how bad it can feel. It causes DH so much pain he can't go to work some days.
ReplyDeleteRe starfall: I confess that I haven't supervised this personally (one of the older children does), but when my daughter started getting bored with starfall.com, my son found www.morestarfall.com for her. I have no idea what's different, just know that she's loving it...
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving a comment and introducing yourself - always nice to meet another mom of boys! And a homeschooling mom, too :D (Oops. I should say 'mum', yah?)
Sorry about the allergies :(
I like the format you're using - the homeschool mother's journal - such a nice peak into your life. And since you asked a question (what about those down days), this is what I do. We schedule ourselves a four-day week (academically) leaving the fifth day, which is usually Friday, but varies as needed, for margin. I try to plan appointments, errands, shopping, library trips,field trips, big projects at home, etc. all for that day.
But then, being homeschoolers and having boys, sometimes I just flat out cancel the desk-work and put them all onto chores. Boys need physical/manual work to do - it's good for them! But then, mine are a bit older than yours and can do things independently that they couldn't when they were younger, so your mileage may vary ;D
I think the computer learning is a great option! I'll have to check out some of those links - thanks!
Frankly, even if you did NOTHING they'd still be miles ahead of the traditionally-schooled drones.
Julie
I hope u feel better. We do alot of learning games online.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.estop4.com/apps/blog/