February

All the homeschool blogs I follow had lengthy posts about "getting through February" and I thought we were going to be spared, but nope. February was long and there were more than a few blow-ups, mishaps, giving-ups and throw-downs. Mostly me vs. various children, but also between the children. Odd since they usually get along very well. It hasn't been very cold here, but lots of gray, damp and muddy days. I had a lot on my plate outside of homeschool and parenting responsibilities and it seemed some new complication came up every week. I didn't take enough time for breaks or to be alone, and I'll try not to make that mistake again.
We did have a lot of success with our Brave Writer Arrow Guide for Wild Robot. We listened to it on Audible and the kids loved the story. They immediately asked for the sequel when we finished. Laurel totally understands the purpose of copywork and the practice is helping her. Marko not so much, but then again, these lessons are for grades 3-5 so I don't expect him to be able to do all of it. I tested Laurel and Marko using my Wilson Reading System materials from waaaay back and decided Marko needed a little phonics instruction. The spelling and grammar lessons included with the Arrow Guide are sufficient for Laurel's needs. We keep plugging away at math in Khan Academy. Instead of requiring that they complete a certain number of lessons, I set a timer and sit next to them until it goes off. I was sort of frustrated that they couldn't do more of this on their own, but it's actually been a nice opportunity to sit and cuddle with each of them 1:1. "Couch school!" they call it.

It's cookie season for Girl Scouts and somehow ended up with all the inventory for our troop! I'm using a lot of Girl Scout badges and activities for Laurel's homeschool. She is highly motivated by earning badges. My main focus, however, is still protecting a lot of time for unstructured free play or reading. We went to the playground last week after Laurel's horse riding lesson. By chance another family stopped by and even though it was 30 degrees, the kids all played together for an hour and a half. It reminded me of how quickly kids become friends at a campground when you are traveling. I keep having to learn this lesson, but if I prioritize play, exercise, and fresh air, then it becomes so much easier to accomplish the sit-down academic tasks. 

Snow Day

"...There is no bill to be paid, only union to be made...." - This line is from the Richard Rohr daily meditation email and references a certain Christian view of salvation, but it keeps running through my head as a personal slogan as we settle into this homeschooling life. When I was a teacher in a school, the learning was very transactional. Not that I expected to be repaid by my students, but we operated on the principle that I would say and do certain things and they would learn and grow in predictable ways. Inputs. Outputs. At home, I have had to lean into the reality that my children do not owe me anything as learners, nor are they firmly stuck in the position of learner. We are all learners. We are all teachers. We do best when we come together. I'm not figuring out world peace over here; it's just fractions for days. But a cozy approach, tucked under a blanket on the couch, high-fives after every correct answer. Tea for me, always. Low cortisol all around. Trusting that when she says enough, it's enough.