Being Present

     The hardest months to homeschool are January and May.  January, because the sun isn't shining and I want to stay in bed all day; and May, because the sun is shining and I want to play all day.  This week has been all about getting back into the swing of things after our holiday break.  It's been relatively smooth, but I just haven't been in the mood.  I find myself being distracted by other things that need to be done.  Bills, appointments, housework.  But mostly, I just want to go back to my warm, cozy bed. 
     It's helpful for me to take the job of homeschooling as that: a job.  If I was working for someone else, I would have to put those personal agendas aside, and just do my job.  When I am able to be 100% present for Zack, I enjoy the school day so much more.  Sitting beside him, working the math problems with him, learning Earth science with him, and listening to his writing, a certain peace comes over me.  Sometimes I think, "My gosh, how can I do this for 3 and 1/2 more years?  I'll never make it!"  But then, I rethink it, and say, "Wow, only 3 and 1/2 more years!"  This time is so special right now.  We won't always be here at the kitchen table, me with my tea and him with his juice, opening the textbooks to see what we will learn today.  In just 3 and 1/2 years, this particular schooling will be behind us.  It will be a memory that I will probably think, "My how fast it went!"  Or, "Oh how I wish it was like that again!"  On Monday, I vow to be in that place of complete presence again, not only for my son, but for me as well.  Because it is in that state of being present that I am at my best and the best of Zack is revealed.    

Live to Dance?

     Dance class resumed this week at its usual time of 10:30 in the morning.  It's an hour and 15 minutes, great exercise, and a lot of fun for the kids.  Unfortunately, it makes Zack really tired.  When we got home, it was time for lunch and then we sat down to continue the school day.  We got through spelling, grammar, and note taking for his Great White shark report, but then his energy crashed.  We weren't able to get through the science.  I used to ask him to push through the sleepiness, but I've come to the conclusion that it isn't worth it.  It takes twice as long to get through the lesson, and he doesn't retain the information.  I have discovered that it's much better if we cover the heavy subjects like math and science before lunch, and leave the easier assignments and the P.E. requirement for the afternoons.  I am thinking of dropping the dance class, but it's the only time Zack is exposed to pop music.  (He only likes to listen to Disney movie tracks.)  Plus, it's an opportunity for him to socialize with other kids his age.  For now, dance stays and the brainy subjects get moved to a different day! 

    

Back to It!

     The Christmas tree has been picked up by the Boy Scouts for recycling, or whatever they do with it.  The decorations have been boxed back up and stored in the garage.  There's still fudge and gingerbread boys in the refrigerator, but it's been pushed to the very back due to over-consumption.  It's Monday and that means, back to homeschooling. 
     Let's see, where did we leave off?  Ah, algebraic equations, volcanic activity, and Great White sharks.  I like getting back into the routine of it all.  But, the stress of getting ready for the holidays has been replaced with the stress of getting assignments done for the end of the learning period.  The learning period was split in half due to the holidays.  I left off in convenient places, though.  Finished chapter 9 in science, stopped after a review and a test in math, and got a good chunk of all the other subjects done.  It shouldn't be too hard to pick up where we left off.
     I'm apprehensive as we get started.  Usually, Zack has a hard time after a weekend break.  What would two weeks do to him?  It's nice to have a break, but often, I feel like we shouldn't take any at all.  We lose so much momentum. 
     Nice surprise!  Zack is doing well with all his subjects today.  Math, which is usually the hardest to continue with, went amazingly well!  I wonder if it has anything to do with the Pharma GABA tablets I've started to give him.  Or, maybe reviewing the difficult areas before going on break made the difference.  I'm hopeful that the rest of the week will go smoothly, and we won't have to review too much from before the break.