THE SECRET IS
KNOWING THAT
WE CAN DO ANYTHING
I reflected on the last few years over my homschooling journey. I've always been a 'survivor' a 'never accept a NO until I find my own YES' kind of person.
Therefore, when it came to my kids, I wanted to expose them to everything while pushing their minds and abilities as far as I could until they grew, or asked for a reprieve.
WHY PUSH and CHALLENGE MY KIDS
It's a method used in private schools, high schools and most work places. However, REMOVE THE STRESS by making it a DISCOVERY.
1) Reach for the MOON
Expose your child to BIG DREAMS but allow them a PASS TO REDIRECT.
2) Fall to the STARS
The redirect is , finish the road started, but revise, and repeat if you have to.
For example, Speed Racer, has taken Alg 1 for 2 years. He started at 11 yrs old. He got a 'C'. Then at 12 years old, we used a different curriculum, he got a 'B'. This year, we are combining Alg 1 with College Math, so far, he's working on an 'A'.
We encouraged him to pursue 3 careers since he enjoys flying glider planes (1) Aeronautical Engineer (2) Pilot (3) Aeronautical Mechanic
I don't actually expect him to do all three. However, both my husband and I have had to or more career or businesses at one time. I am an Engineer, an author, have been a College Professor, Mortgage Lender, Travel consultant, all why maintaining my engineering career. My husband has done the same. Therefore, we want our kids to know, that if you want to experience two or more complimenting careers in a lifetime...go for it. Just figure out a way to do it.
Also, we plan to have him finish a degree in at least 2 of these areas with a minor in Computer Science since he also loves coding.
3) If they want to CHANGE DIRECTION, let them.
4) Don't accept a direction without them researching, defending a new plan.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
This isn't the approach many parents choose to take. However, our minds are incredible gifts and when we encourage our kids that there are MANY MANY ROADS to their GOALS, that FAILURE doesn't mean DEFEAT but a CHANGE OF DIRECTION, they won't lose.
OUR WEEK IN REVIEW
SPEED RACER
13 yrs old
Blended High Schooler
Speed Racer has matured so much in six months. I know he would, but sometimes as a parent, we are impatient. I try lots of methods to encourage positive growth, and never really knows what has worked, but I know, never giving up is the key.
CHANGES MADE TO CURRICULUM in 1st 3 weeks of SCHOOL
Removed curriculum (1) Logic with Compass Classroom (2) Physics removed completely to year before he officially starts Dual Enrollment at online college (3) Added in person Java class (child requested) on Sundays.
STRIDES MADE
Speed Racer doubled his quiz scores for study of the Computing DSST EXAM review with Instantcert. He has finished all independent work on time, before Friday, with good grades.
OUR WEEK IN REVIEW
TIGER LILLY
16 yrs old
Blended High Schooler
Tiger Lilly is pretty independent with her college classes. On Friday's I review all her work before she turns it in.
She requested another in person computer class. She's taking C#, Unity 3D and now Blender on Fridays for 2 hours. Her in person Japanese class will be moved to Spring since we both think her schedule is pretty booked.
Her homeschool business course is going well. Her website and blog are being created in the coming weeks.
WORK and HOME BALANCE
Working and Homeschooling
MEAL PREP: I haven't gotten back on track with the mail planning or prep yet. I'm just throwing dinner together our we are grabbing fast food. I am giving myself a month with our new schedule to get this corralled again.
HOUSE CLEANING: Not happening. This new schedule is wearing me down a bit and I haven't been enforcing (verifying that chores are done correctly and completely) like I should.
LESSON PLANNING: I do it mostly on Sunday evenings and it takes about an hour. We still use the Sue Patrick workbox system and the kids get a daily and weekly schedule. I am still working out our schedule. There are many changes in the first week and I am trimming curriculum down that I don't think is working.
MARRIAGE CHECKUP: With my husband and I co-teaching this year, with a more HANDS ON APPROACH to HOMESCHOOLING our Speed Racer, both of us have been. Date night hasn't happened in 2 weeks. I owe him big time and sent him an IOU and he did the same. We set a date over the holiday weekend to have a day together.
You are such an inspiration. Re-taking math as you mature is such a good idea. It makes sense because as your brain develops, you understand more. Please share what you are using for lesson planning. I took off two weeks from work to get my homeschool life in order. I am with you on meal prep. We are trying vegan for 2 weeks, so I will need all the help I can get!
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