Some Soccer Season Snapshots

Our School Room

So, this year we actually have a school room. 

I know a lot of families who do their school work on the kitchen counter.  We tried. 

Could. not. focus. 

We tried it in the living room and dining room.

 Too much distraction. 

Not for the kids, for me.  All I could focus on was all the other things that needed to be done.   

Then we moved upstairs to the middle room between the two bedrooms.  It got to messy because that is where the toys are too.  We were stepping over things to get to our desks (which we got because I thought that would help us focus). 

Unable to concentrate. 

And the temptation to play with the toys was too much. 

There is so much to teach to four kids in various grades I needed a place to focus.  So, out went one of the bedrooms and we turned it into a class room.  Here are some pictures of our room:

 Here are the desks against the wall (so they won't get distracted (*smile*).  The green school desk use to be my husbands when he was little, so it is special to have in our house.  The one to the left we found on http://www.craigslist.org/ and the other two a great friend of mine gave to us. 

 Here is our craft area and a relaxing couch to sit on to read.  You can't see it in the picture, but on the table we have a classroom pet (we are pet sitting).  His name is Hamilton. 

 Above is my school des and to the left is a place to store things and my copier sits.  We have art and so some of the projects are displayed behind my desk. 

Here is a special computer station which the kids are doing a Spanish program on.  The closet is perfect because it is separate and less distracting.  I also can print out anything we need on the copier. 

So here is our school room.  The best part is I can close the door when we are doing school AND when we are not doing school.  It is used for just that.  School.  And nothing else. 

I would love to hear where you do school and how it works for you?

Progress Report Night

Tonight was Progress Report Night at our house.  This is the first year we have done this.  My son last year said he would really like our school to be like a "real" school...homework and all.  So this year, I have done just that.  I will post more about that in another post.  So, tonight was our first Progress Report Night and the kids were excited. 

They got the school room ready.  Cards for Dad made.  Excitement to find out how they are doing. 

We had a special meeting with each one.  J.W.,our third grader, knew there were days he did not do his best and was worried about getting a "C".  I went to Donna Young website and printed off templates for a report card and had it all filled out.  They showed off the art work they have done so far this year and enjoyed explaining things they do during the day.  It was a great night to encourage and guide.  It was an "easy" way to let them know where they needed to work harder or where they were doing a great job.  In six more weeks there is a Report Card that will go out.  There are a couple of companies near our house that reward good report cards and the kids can't wait to get their grades where they need to be to get the extra special treat. 

New website for homeschooling only

Hi, if you followed my blog because of the homeschooling aspects then just to let you know I have moved over to a new website.  You can check it out at http://www.teachertofour.blogspot.com/ .  We look forward to seeing you over there.  Thanks. 

Personal blogs will continue soon on here. 

Is homeschooling right for me?

So, the common question is, is homeschooling wrong or right?  I think it is neither.  Every kid is different, every family is different, every city and every school is different.  So, I can't say if it is right for you or not.  For my family, right now, this year, it is right.  Next year. We shall see.
                          We take one year at a time. 
Some people ask me all the time if we are going to do this the whole time they are in school.  I. don't. know.  Only God know that. Literally. 

So, you are wondering about homeschooling.  I prayed.  I asked God if that is what He wanted me to do.  I looked at all the situations. 

Do I have a degree in teaching...NO WAY!  Can I learn.  YES!  I will be honest.  My first grade teacher never taught me phonics.  Yep.  I learned phonics with my son, as I taught him.  My husbands saying, "You only have to be one lesson ahead."  I told my son, as I was teaching him, that I was learning with him.  He appreciated it. 

Do I like teaching?  Nope.  I specifically didn't want to be a teacher.  But, I am.  And I am starting to find my way and loving it. 

Am I perfect?  Nope.  But, I can try.

Am I going to get everything right?  Nope.  But, I can try.

Do you get where I am going?  No.  You can try! 

Homeschooling is decided on what you think is best for your child.  In that time.  That is what matters.  Right now this is what is best.  Do I despise school, no.  Schools are great.  I use to go to one myself and loved it. 

Bottom line:  What is best for your family and your child... and do it!