It's May.
Do you know how I know it's May? No. Not because I looked at my calendar.
I know it's May because I've got that feeling. You homeschool moms, and probably public school teachers, know exactly what I'm talking about. That feeling I like to call ~ "I'm done".
For those of you who don't have the luxury of lesson-planning, grading papers, conducting tests, and pretty much being fully responsible for the education of your children, let me explain it to you...
My two boys and I have spent the last nine months doing organized learning in our classroom. We start with Science, then move on to Handwriting and Social Studies. I give them their Reading assignments. While I fix lunch, my boys take turns working on their typing skills on our computer. After lunch, we resume our studies with an afternoon activity such as art, poetry, or critical thinking. Then they do some Language Arts, followed by Writing. And our school day is done after Spelling and Math are completed.
At least that's how I plan for each day to be...
As you can imagine, it doesn't always work out that way. In fact, the closer we get to the end of our school year, the less likely it is that our school day looked anything like the schedule I described above.
In fact, today...
Weeeeell...
I'm almost too embarrassed to share this with you...
But I guess if it makes you feel better about your school day, it will be worth my embarrassment...
This morning we had breakfast with friends at Cracker Barrel. Then we went to Lowe's and Wal-mart. Then we gathered with friends for story time at the library. Afterwards, we met for lunch at the Sub Shop. Now I am in my office writing this blog, while my boys are watching television.
That's what we've done today.
And I'm totally counting it as a day of school.
I know it sounds like a completely unproductive, all-fun, no-education day. And at the beginning of our school year, I would totally agree.
But today, I would argue that point...
They played Checkers at Cracker Barrel. That's educational, right? Math (circles, squares), Science (ummm... surely there's something scientific about Checkers), Critical Thinking (Oh come on. You can't argue that one. Checkers is definitely critical thinking). So Math, Science, Critical Thinking. Check, check, check.
They had story time at the library. Reading (Mrs. Robin read to them), Art (They painted strawberry pictures). Check, check.
They ate lunch with their friends. Now isn't everyone always saying homeschool kids need social interaction? Social Studies. Check.
Right now they are watching Disney's Kickin' It. Hmmm... how can I make that educational? Afternoon Activity? Yes! Afternoon Activity. Check.
So all we've missed is Spelling and Writing. Wait a minute...
... ... ...
Okay. I just made them spell "writing". So we've covered both items there. Spelling. Writing. Check. Check.
And you thought they didn't learn anything today. Don't you feel silly?
...
You see, I've reached that point in the school year where I am so burnt-out on our learning routine. I am just trying to survive. And I am just desperate enough to justify my educational choices for today. Don't judge me!
I'm tired of talking about plants, and communities, and writing, and multiplication. I just want to take a nap.
...
So... in my own defense...
I can tell you that we've finished our Science and Social Studies curriculums for the year. Those are the most fun.
Handwriting. Bryson is good with his handwriting. Camden... I don't want to talk about it.
Math is pretty much done. It's just review stuff from here on.
Writing. Ah Writing. Writing is my arch-nemesis. I know that is ironic, considering I love to write more than anything else. What can I say? It's much easier to do it than to teach it. So I've pretty much given up on writing for this year. Don't worry. I'll try again next year. Eventually I'll get it right. I hope...
That leaves us with Language Arts and Spelling. We're on Unit 8 out of 10. Ugh...
...
On paper, we've still got five weeks of school. Mentally, I am so done.
That's how I know it's May.
...
Seeds of Faith - inspired by Elisha Skeen
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
As moms - and in this case, as homeschool moms, - I think we try so hard to be perfect. And when things don't go perfectly, we feel ashamed.
Take comfort in knowing that God does not condemn you for skipping Spelling. Or for counting Checkers as your Math activity.
Yesterday was Teacher Appreciation Day. I hope you told yourself you are doing a great job. :)
