Here are two boys that look a bit like mine. They love being in the woods or down at the creek. And they're mischievous:) Wyatt is 12 and Paul is 9. Where has time gone!?
We've been homeschooling for eight years as our school choices are so limited here. Recently my editor asked how homeschooling was going and I had to admit it's taken a bit of a hit. I'm not as creative as I used to be and the boys do a lot of their book work alone with me supervising from my laptop across the room. Paul didn't read till last year (he was almost nine) which caused me some concern. But I didn't make him do any bookwork till he was seven! He just wasn't ready. Wyatt learned to read and do everything else very early. Just a difference in children. The books that worked wonderfully well for Wyatt I had to toss for Paul. If you're having trouble getting your child to read, please consider implementing, "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Lessons" which is not a gimmicky method. It works! Paul was reading around lesson 80 and now consumes all kinds of books like popcorn though his favorite are Archie comic books:)
I also wanted to share what I call the Proverbs 31 Plan which I borrowed from another homeschooling mom. Since there are 31 days of the month, usually, and there are 31 chapters of Proverbs, Wyatt reads a chapter a day and picks out a couple of verses he really likes and writes them down in a notebook. We then talk about them and discuss what they mean for today. It's a wonderful way to bring the Bible to life (like it needs any help!?) but it does seem to reach my pre-teen son. Try a unique translation like The Message.
Here are some favorites:
Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly? Proverbs 18:8
Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder. Proverbs 23:4-5
A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out. Proverbs 25:28
Now we're off to town and violin lesson, lunch at Wendy's, errands and groceries. Sunny here and expected to be 80! I've been writing round the clock, or so it seems, and it will be nice to have a break. Happy Wednesday!
I like the idea of a Proverbs 31 plan. I may use that next fall with my son. He is 10 (will be 11 in August) and has just learned to read. We really struggled and tried everything, including 100 easy lessons, lots of Saxon phonics... Nothing worked until I found Learning Rx. We're nearing the end of the 6 months in that program and he's reading now!! We're thrilled. I think he'd really like doing Proverbs next year with the new found reading skills.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you are every bit as sweet as your mom :-) I'm glad I found your website and blog!
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteSo thrilled he's now a reader!! Just watch - he'll really take off now. Yours is a case in point as to how different programs work with different kids. I've not heard of Learning Rx but I like the title! My mom is a reading specialist, retired, and I wish she'd been here to help during our struggle. But God made a way. Thank you for stopping by!
Proverbs 31 plan sounds like a great idea. Glad Paul is reading away now and enjoys it! Having you for a Mom, I am sure your boys will grow up loving reading. My kids just got out of school today for the summer! Zach made all A's this last quarter and did very well for the year. Sydney did well also. They are glad for a break! I am going to make Zach do specific reading for the summer for pleasure but mainly to enhance his capability of retaining what he reads. So important! He started reading in 1st grade and does it well, although most of the time he doesn't really like it, ha! He'd rather do math anyday, ha! Hi to the boys for us. :)
ReplyDeleteRhonda, Congrats on the great grades! I know your kids are getting a great education as NC schools have a good reputation:) Now for some pool time! Hello to Mark and all!
ReplyDeleteThe Proverbs 31 plan sounds like a good idea. It's always helpful to apply it to everyday stuff for kids. I think they get more out of the Bible by thinking about what it means to them.
ReplyDeleteWe have a dry-erase board in the dining room and every few days I put a new verse up on it. We then discuss what it means and how we can apply it to us. The kids seem to enjoy talking about it as a family.
I've really been praying about homeschooling. I have the desire to do it but my husband thinks they should be in public school. So I'm at a standstill for now. I just pray that if I'm meant to teach them that God will change Ken's heart. And if I'm not meant to, that He'll change mine.
Enjoy your sunshine today! We love Wendy's! That's probably our favorite fast food place.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYour dry-erase board sounds great! That way everyone can join in:) Homeschooling is not for everyone and sometimes public school is the better option. Just pray about it like you said. There are pros and cons for doing both. My boys have actually attended public school on Tuesdays in a program that includes homeschoolers. They really liked it, plus they were able to make friends and have teachers far beyond my areas of expertise. You might try homeschooing for half a year and see how your kids like it - or just try it with the girls. Lots of fun options! Family life is never dull, huh? But God is faithful and hears our prayers!
The Proverbs plan sounds to be a good plan, I had a problem with my daughter when she was in school.
ReplyDeletemamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
Hi Edna,
ReplyDeleteHope your daughter is doing well now. Kids sure hit some road bumps in school or out, I think. I've seen so many prodigals return home and have happy outcomes. Lots of praying parents out there - us included. Bless you and your family!