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Friday, August 17, 2007 "I Don't Know How You Do It" Just the other day at playgroup, I was talking with my good friends about the start of the school year. Everyone around us is thinking about the first day, filling their supply lists, going to "Meet the Teacher" days, changing their schedules to fit the school schedules (these three moms all have their children in schools with different start times: from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM all the way to 9 AM), trying to plan what to do about after-school activities including our own playgroup that has been around for 5-1/2 years. There are ads on TV for back-to-school sales, talk about how many schools aren't bussing all school kids to their schools on the news (because of Charter Schools, apparently), and a nervousness/excitement in the air all around. I am apprehensive already about traffic, since it seems everyone I know will be driving their child to school. All talk seems to be about school starting — it seems a force in and of itself! Talk about our choice to homeschool lately seems to always be a topic that is driven by concern - what curriculum will we be using, how will we know Parker is learning what he needs to, what about socialization, how can we do it when kids drive us crazy sometimes, what about your business, etc. It is probably odd then, that I don't worry so much about those things. What I do worry about is children learning the wrong things without proper guidance, which I think the current atmosphere of overcrowded classrooms of same age peers encourages. (I read Lord of the Flies in school. I think it isn't too far-fetched to think that some of this same type of interaction occurs in bullying, name-calling, intimidation, and exclusion that happens in school.) Everyone is always concerned about socialization, and may even choose school because of socialization fears, but there are plenty of ways children learn to be social. And when they aren't limited to same age interactions, like they are at school, they learn how to act with multi-generational communities, they see good and respectful interactions modeled by adults, etc. What I also worry about is the need to "teach to the masses". Honestly, I prefer if I learn at my own pace, and do not need to wait for others to catch up or not completely understand something before moving ahead. I don't think it does young children, who already have impulse control, emotional control, and other control issues to be so frustrated over learning so early in life. Learning should be a joyous adventure, not tedious worksheets, time limits, and constant distraction. (Seriously, how many of you studied well in large loud groups in college? Wasn't the library an optimal place because of the quiet? Or in your own room when your roommate(s) weren't there?) Think of how loud your own children can be without 10-20 other friends around. Now, imagine them all in a single room, needing to be organized, cooperative at all times, sharing, and learning. That's what I don't know how to do. This post inspired by Stephanie of Throwing Marshmallow's July 17, 2006 post entitled "I Don't Know How You Do It" at Life Without School, an online homeschooling community. Labels: community, homeschooling, playgroup ------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 02, 2007 Parker loves Alivia Oh man am I in trouble!! We had our homeschooling group yesterday, and Parker told Alivia that he loves her, she kissed him, and then they did everything together holding hands or with their arms around each other. We got in the van at the end of the day to leave, and he told me "Alivia's dress was really pretty". When we got home and I was talking on the phone with my sister, he told me to tell her that he loves Alivia. AAACCCCKKKK!!!! Five-and-a-half!!!!!! I am not going to survive parenthood. Labels: community, homeschooling, milestones, Parker, playgroup ------------------------------------------------
Monday, November 13, 2006 Smushed Finger At playgroup today, Parker got his finger slammed in the door frame. This is the second time he's been injured at a playgroup, both at my house!! He is fine now, but we were concerned it might have been broken for a short while. It is going to be pretty bruised, but he'll be okay. Right after it happened, he was sooo inconsolable, and everyone was freaking out. But, no blood this time so, life is good. ------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 Playgroup sadness My original local playgroup here is starting to break apart because of school starting, and NONE of us being in the same zone (and we're homeschooling). Makes me sad. Labels: homeschooling, playgroup ------------------------------------------------
Friday, July 07, 2006 "I Like Pink" I just asked Parker what his favorite color was, and he said "Pink". He doesn't have anything really pink though -- not for any particular reason, though. Jeff's secure enough in his masculinity (and Parker's) to not be worried about "girly colors" or playing with dolls, etc. Honestly, I think any one who does have a problem with it has their own issues, and that it has nothing to do with the child. Parker's best friend (well, one of them) has always loved pink, wears girl tap shoes (he loves the sound), and has no barriers created for him in what he can play with or wear based on stereotyped gender roles. ------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 23, 2006 Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum Here in Florida, there is now universal Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) offered. Makes me kinda wonder when it'll become mandatory. Jeff and I have pretty much decided not to do it with Parker, even though his 3 close friends will be going to various pre-Ks. The question we are most often asked is what curriculum we plan to do this year for his education, which I find a little odd for 4-year olds. So, no, we are not planning on any formal curriculum, though we do get the Brighter Vision Learning Adventure boxes each month (Parker asks EVERY DAY if there is a new box in the mail for him!!) which are really cool. I just take what we normally do in a day and figure out a way to make it into a life lesson. And, of course, we are doing additional things now (like his O2B Kids classes) that help with socialization and learning to listen to another adult. I also keep track of what he's learned, is learning, and keep making sure he's progressing: communication: reading, telling stories, describing pictures, logical progression, (need to work on writing and drawing), computer skills; mathematics: logic/order, shapes, addition, subtraction, sets, time, (need to work on fractions); motor skills: puzzles, legos, gross motor movement (Karate class), spreading peanut butter, playdough, (need to work on writing, drawing, scissors); independence: dresses self, uses bathroom on own, washes self (for the most part), starting to feed self (getting food from fridge, etc.) and pour own drinks, (can't think of anything to work on -- independence isn't an issue around here!!); social skills: participates in classes three days a week, participates in playgroups two days a week, plays with sister every day (working on sharing and NOT fighting), initiates play with others at park/mall/etc., can play well on own, understands waiting, taking turns, standing in a line, working on listening/patience, still working on best ways to express/handle emotions (having younger sister makes this harder, as she's just getting into expressing emotions!!). Labels: community, homeschooling, Parker, playgroup ------------------------------------------------
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