I had mentioned those quarterly reviews a bit ago. Last week, I was able to gather together info from both kids' classes at the co-op as well as through the subjects we are doing at home. And I find that I had spoken too soon.
I was quite aware of the shift needed for HoneyGirl, and she proved to be diligent in doing the work for her co-op classes. Buzz Boy turned out to be a different story. He is missing full and partial assignments for almost every class, not studying for simple tests, and doing poorly in Algebra II. Of course, he has only been spending 2.5-3 hours a day on work, despite my questioning.
This time, the frustration was not just my own, as this is a typical scenario we seem to run into year in and out. KingBee knows how closely college is looming, and realizes that unless work habits change, BuzzBoy has little chance of success outside of the hive. KingBee and I discussed all of this at length, and planned a family meeting for when he returned from camping.
Typically, BuzzBoy owned all of his failings with "I know, I should have
a) followed directions, b) reviewed my notes, c) asked questions in class, etc. All the usual concerns are larger in light of the fact that he is hoping to have the privilege of driving and getting a part-time job next month. How can he expect us to allow more freedoms and probable distractions if he isn't even doing the minimal now?
We again asked if he really wants to pursue college, or if he just wants to work, reassuring him that either choice is admirable. Again, he reassured us how much he wants to go to college. KingBee was fairly quick in noting that he said he "wants to go to college" rather than "he wants to get a degree in ____." He discussed the folly in not separating the "experience" from the "education" in his mind.
Our discussion was really making progress when BuzzBoy made a major faux pas. He fell back on the bad habit of scapegoating someone else for his lack of focus, while that someone (me) was in the kitchen getting tea.
"I really would be doing better this year if I had a heavy course load like I did in years past," BuzzBoy tells KingBee.
"Please explain that further, " asked KingBee.
"Well, usually I have at least two more subjects than this five. It's easier for me to organize my week then there is so little work. I keep pushing everything off to the end, and I just forget things and run out of time," BuzzBoy elucidates.
(Meanwhile, I am in the kitchen absolutely baffled, wondering if he is either so arrogant to think his father might believe this hogwash, or so foolish that he doesn't realize the repercussions such a claim.)
To his credit, KingBee agreed that must be a difficult adjustment, and called me into the room. I knew by the glint in his eye exactly the direction he was going, but poor BuzzBoy was clueless, sitting smugly while he waited for me to be properly chastised.
"QueenBee, it seems as if BuzzBoy is struggling because his course load is so much lighter than last year. You really should have known that he can't handle too much free time, " KingBee stated.
I did my best to act convicted. "You are right, and I must apologize for that. I promise, I will have a remedy by nightfall. I'll be down going through the curriculum cabinet, and will have a syllabus for both American history and German to add."
The look on BuzzBoy's face was, well, priceless. KingBee spoke before a complaint could be measured. "Since you are spending less than three hours a day on work, with no productive hobbies or activities filling the rest of the time, we will grant you request for more work. I expect to get bi-monthly progress reports, so that you can show us that you are working diligently, and have earned driving privileges for hte next two weeks. "
Trumped....indeed.
To his credit, he started right in on both subjects yesterday, and spent the day completing any unfinished work to turn in. He called his Algebra II teacher for help and set up his schedule for the next two weeks.
When we were driving to scouts later than night, he chuckled and said, "You got me, Mom. I will never again try to blame you for my laziness."
Progress, it seems, is that he can joke about it so quickly. Silly boy...underestimating the Queen!!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
On the Mend at Home...
As feared, my head cold decided to spread south and settle in a while. Every October I get a cold, so I suppose that experience has made me wise.
I may be incredibily stubborn in most things, but I know how bad it can get if I try to push an autumn infection, and cancelled my weekend plans.
I have surrounded myself with hot lemon and honey tea, microfleece blankets and flannel pajamas. Friends have driven children for me (thanks Laurel!) and brought big pots of homemade chicken soup (thanks Mari!) , while the kids have stepped up and taken on not only my chores, but their schooling as well. If it wasn't for all the tissues, I might feel as if I was on vacation!
Between naps, I celebrated in a small way a true milestone. After a decade and a half, this Mama can actually be truly sick again. Gone are the days of struggling to breathe while making sure the kids are still being educated (for homeschoolers don't have substitute teachers). Past is the need for me to push through the pain while taking care of all the cooking, cleaning, and errands so our lives didn't fall apart.
Instead, I had three days where I could sleep at will, with caring teenagers checking on me or bringing me unsolicited cups of tea or another cover. They made not only breakfast and lunch for themselves, but soup for me. They even cooked dinner (grilled BBQ chicken and herbed rice one night; spaghetti & italian sausage the next). They did the dishes, switched the laundry, and took care of the critters.
As teacher, my only duty was to check over a weekly planner, and a little help with math. One afternoon, BuzzBoy and I watched "An Inconvienent Truth" together; on another, HoneyGirl and I sat mesermerized by NatGeo travel show about Belize. We watched the last debate together, and they walked to rent a few movies.
Now, three days later, I can rejoice a little in knowing that the world will no longer crash around us if I get sick. I can take the time needed to get better on the front end, without guilt. This realization certainly makes up for any disappointment over missing my weekend away. A cold may be a lemon, but when it can be added to hot tea and served by your kids, it's not a bad thing at all!
I may be incredibily stubborn in most things, but I know how bad it can get if I try to push an autumn infection, and cancelled my weekend plans.
I have surrounded myself with hot lemon and honey tea, microfleece blankets and flannel pajamas. Friends have driven children for me (thanks Laurel!) and brought big pots of homemade chicken soup (thanks Mari!) , while the kids have stepped up and taken on not only my chores, but their schooling as well. If it wasn't for all the tissues, I might feel as if I was on vacation!
Between naps, I celebrated in a small way a true milestone. After a decade and a half, this Mama can actually be truly sick again. Gone are the days of struggling to breathe while making sure the kids are still being educated (for homeschoolers don't have substitute teachers). Past is the need for me to push through the pain while taking care of all the cooking, cleaning, and errands so our lives didn't fall apart.
Instead, I had three days where I could sleep at will, with caring teenagers checking on me or bringing me unsolicited cups of tea or another cover. They made not only breakfast and lunch for themselves, but soup for me. They even cooked dinner (grilled BBQ chicken and herbed rice one night; spaghetti & italian sausage the next). They did the dishes, switched the laundry, and took care of the critters.
As teacher, my only duty was to check over a weekly planner, and a little help with math. One afternoon, BuzzBoy and I watched "An Inconvienent Truth" together; on another, HoneyGirl and I sat mesermerized by NatGeo travel show about Belize. We watched the last debate together, and they walked to rent a few movies.
Now, three days later, I can rejoice a little in knowing that the world will no longer crash around us if I get sick. I can take the time needed to get better on the front end, without guilt. This realization certainly makes up for any disappointment over missing my weekend away. A cold may be a lemon, but when it can be added to hot tea and served by your kids, it's not a bad thing at all!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Busiest week of my year...and I'm sick!
Go figure! I started with a major head cold on Monday evening. Struggled through teaching at the co-op after a sleepless night, and came directly home to bed. Woke in the evening with fever and chills. This morning, it's spreading south to my chest. Ugh!
I cancelled my chaperoning at the Shakespeare festival for today, hoping against hope that I can somehow recover quickly enough for my weekend at the cabin and Rhinebeck festival. Otherwise, I'm going to spend the weekend in bed, recovering.
I cancelled my chaperoning at the Shakespeare festival for today, hoping against hope that I can somehow recover quickly enough for my weekend at the cabin and Rhinebeck festival. Otherwise, I'm going to spend the weekend in bed, recovering.
Monday, October 13, 2008
First Quarter Assessment
I realized looking at the calendar that we are getting quite close to the end of our first quarter. Holy Cow, where did the time go? The next week will fly by in a hurried rush, and I really take a minute to step back with eyes open.
Assessing every two months is something I do to help keep us (and me) on track. It's a great chance to change direction, find holes, draw projects to conclusion, and even identify bad habits before they become a lifestyle. I like to be actively working on our homeschooling in this way, instead of forcing something that doesn't fit or finding out I have dropped the ball on something at the end of the year.
This quarter shows some real positives. Both kids have gotten quickly into a rhythm. Our school week has rotated a bit, using our Tuesday's at co-op as the first full day. I have been pleased with the way both kids will sit down on Wednesday morning and plot out their assignments in their planners for the week, so as not to forget anything.
By their own choice, they are accomplishing the majority of their work by Friday, leaving only quizzes and odds and ends for a short Monday. BuzzBoy encouraged HoneyGirl , new to the Math-u-See format, and they decided early on that it was better to hammer out two math lessons a day and be done with it than have to do any over the weekend. It only adds a half hour to their days, but the rewards are huge for them.
Not only do they still have full weekends, but we now have free Monday afternoons! An informal homeschooling group near us often has Monday afternoon bowling or movies, and they wanted to be able to take part. If we don't meet with others, we sometimes go for a hike in this lovely fall weather, or play board games and watch a DVD together. I like knowing there is extra time to have each of them work on the calculator skills program, or reviewing general math skills.
I have to say, I am really pleased with the overall picture. Their work habits are solid. HoneyGirl was miserable after throwing her back and spent Wednesday in bed resting, doing no school. As agreed, she made Saturday a school day instead. I, however, was not giving up my Saturday plans, so she did it all on her own. I came home and it was all setting out for me to check. Awesome!
The only holes I am finding are my own to address. I've been letting history drop to the wayside. We are piddling around a bit, but with no real direction. I need to take some time to create a solid outline for the program. I am not liking any curriculum I have found...too boring and dry. Plus, it relies heavily on reading historical fiction, her least favorite genre. HoneyGirl agrees a change is needed, and we spent a lot of time discussing options.
We are thinking instead to shape the unit around a similar format she loves when studying art and music history: timeline research. I will create an outline of the explorers, and assign a chapter to read in one of the myriad non-fiction children's books I have found for a quick introduction. She will then need to go online and do some research on the explorer, and write up a time line entry. I have some great B/W pics she can cut and paste, and a nice selection of maps which she can trace the route. She seems pleased with this compromise.
We also want to get back to cooking together in the evenings. Many days I am just so hurried that it is easier for me to just do it myself. Yet I know the kids are learning so much when we work together. I need to take time at least twice a week to include them in this process. Better planning on my part and it is simple to include again.
All in all, I am very pleased in our direction. It's going to be a very good year indeed!
Assessing every two months is something I do to help keep us (and me) on track. It's a great chance to change direction, find holes, draw projects to conclusion, and even identify bad habits before they become a lifestyle. I like to be actively working on our homeschooling in this way, instead of forcing something that doesn't fit or finding out I have dropped the ball on something at the end of the year.
This quarter shows some real positives. Both kids have gotten quickly into a rhythm. Our school week has rotated a bit, using our Tuesday's at co-op as the first full day. I have been pleased with the way both kids will sit down on Wednesday morning and plot out their assignments in their planners for the week, so as not to forget anything.
By their own choice, they are accomplishing the majority of their work by Friday, leaving only quizzes and odds and ends for a short Monday. BuzzBoy encouraged HoneyGirl , new to the Math-u-See format, and they decided early on that it was better to hammer out two math lessons a day and be done with it than have to do any over the weekend. It only adds a half hour to their days, but the rewards are huge for them.
Not only do they still have full weekends, but we now have free Monday afternoons! An informal homeschooling group near us often has Monday afternoon bowling or movies, and they wanted to be able to take part. If we don't meet with others, we sometimes go for a hike in this lovely fall weather, or play board games and watch a DVD together. I like knowing there is extra time to have each of them work on the calculator skills program, or reviewing general math skills.
I have to say, I am really pleased with the overall picture. Their work habits are solid. HoneyGirl was miserable after throwing her back and spent Wednesday in bed resting, doing no school. As agreed, she made Saturday a school day instead. I, however, was not giving up my Saturday plans, so she did it all on her own. I came home and it was all setting out for me to check. Awesome!
The only holes I am finding are my own to address. I've been letting history drop to the wayside. We are piddling around a bit, but with no real direction. I need to take some time to create a solid outline for the program. I am not liking any curriculum I have found...too boring and dry. Plus, it relies heavily on reading historical fiction, her least favorite genre. HoneyGirl agrees a change is needed, and we spent a lot of time discussing options.
We are thinking instead to shape the unit around a similar format she loves when studying art and music history: timeline research. I will create an outline of the explorers, and assign a chapter to read in one of the myriad non-fiction children's books I have found for a quick introduction. She will then need to go online and do some research on the explorer, and write up a time line entry. I have some great B/W pics she can cut and paste, and a nice selection of maps which she can trace the route. She seems pleased with this compromise.
We also want to get back to cooking together in the evenings. Many days I am just so hurried that it is easier for me to just do it myself. Yet I know the kids are learning so much when we work together. I need to take time at least twice a week to include them in this process. Better planning on my part and it is simple to include again.
All in all, I am very pleased in our direction. It's going to be a very good year indeed!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Self-Induced Buzz Kill
My son is enduring a self-induced buzz kill. He didn't pass his test. He didn't even get to take his test. Alas, my boy dropped the ball.
It seems that an appointment is needed to take the test. It states it right on the website in BIG BOLD LETTERS. It states it again on the bright slip of paper he received when he got his permit, and in the book he studied prior to the permit test. I am even pretty sure the woman at the desk told him this verbally at the time he got his permit card, but that is their word against his.
Getting a driver's license is a rite of passage that I feel must be child-driven, no pun intended. Driving is a priviledge that brings a lot of responsibility with it. He got his permit months after his birthday even though he had a car sitting in the garage for five months because he wasn't motivated enough to read and study the book and learn the material. When he passed, he was instructed to track his hours practicing with one of us in the car. I told him all along that this was one of those things that I was not going to handle for him in this new phase of "higher responsibility. "
So when he started mentioning that he wanted to take his test, I did give a few helpful reminders a few weeks ago to check the website to see what he needed to do. I reminded him again earlier this week to double check. I got a little nervous this morning when he first mentioned needing two forms of ID and insurance paperwork. I was even more curious when we arrived for the 8am opening and saw that the DMV didn't open until 9am.
So when the tester came over to our car and started looking for BuzzBoy's name on his list, I watched panic wash over his face. He hadn't set anything up, but rather just picked a day to go. Upon further questioning, he hadn't brought his hourly tracker (which I later found out he had stopped filling out in June despite lots of hours behind the wheel).
I wasn't mad, feeling he had learned a very valuable lesson. That is, until he started yelling at me in front of everyone in line, asking me why I didn't set it up for him properly and why I hadn't checked the website for him.
Oh... No... He... Didn't.
I calmly reminded him that it was his responsibility not mine, and that he can just make an appointment for a future date.
To which he threw his arms dramatically in the air and shouted...
"Of course! It's all my fault. "
Oh... Yes... He... Did.
Lucky for him that there was a crowd, or I might have pummeled him right there. As it was I took the keys and told him to stop the drama queen crap and get in the car. Argh!
I suppose it will be a very quiet night as he rethinks this lesson, and steams a bit. I understand that he was frustrated with himself. I comprehend that he will now be embarrassed after bragging to all his friends about driving this weekend.
Thankfully, he came out a little bit ago and owned the screw-up, and apologized. Let's hope it is a lesson well learned. Maybe it would help if I made him pay me to drive him around the rest of this month? ;)
It seems that an appointment is needed to take the test. It states it right on the website in BIG BOLD LETTERS. It states it again on the bright slip of paper he received when he got his permit, and in the book he studied prior to the permit test. I am even pretty sure the woman at the desk told him this verbally at the time he got his permit card, but that is their word against his.
Getting a driver's license is a rite of passage that I feel must be child-driven, no pun intended. Driving is a priviledge that brings a lot of responsibility with it. He got his permit months after his birthday even though he had a car sitting in the garage for five months because he wasn't motivated enough to read and study the book and learn the material. When he passed, he was instructed to track his hours practicing with one of us in the car. I told him all along that this was one of those things that I was not going to handle for him in this new phase of "higher responsibility. "
So when he started mentioning that he wanted to take his test, I did give a few helpful reminders a few weeks ago to check the website to see what he needed to do. I reminded him again earlier this week to double check. I got a little nervous this morning when he first mentioned needing two forms of ID and insurance paperwork. I was even more curious when we arrived for the 8am opening and saw that the DMV didn't open until 9am.
So when the tester came over to our car and started looking for BuzzBoy's name on his list, I watched panic wash over his face. He hadn't set anything up, but rather just picked a day to go. Upon further questioning, he hadn't brought his hourly tracker (which I later found out he had stopped filling out in June despite lots of hours behind the wheel).
I wasn't mad, feeling he had learned a very valuable lesson. That is, until he started yelling at me in front of everyone in line, asking me why I didn't set it up for him properly and why I hadn't checked the website for him.
Oh... No... He... Didn't.
I calmly reminded him that it was his responsibility not mine, and that he can just make an appointment for a future date.
To which he threw his arms dramatically in the air and shouted...
"Of course! It's all my fault. "
Oh... Yes... He... Did.
Lucky for him that there was a crowd, or I might have pummeled him right there. As it was I took the keys and told him to stop the drama queen crap and get in the car. Argh!
I suppose it will be a very quiet night as he rethinks this lesson, and steams a bit. I understand that he was frustrated with himself. I comprehend that he will now be embarrassed after bragging to all his friends about driving this weekend.
Thankfully, he came out a little bit ago and owned the screw-up, and apologized. Let's hope it is a lesson well learned. Maybe it would help if I made him pay me to drive him around the rest of this month? ;)
Hopeful About a Partial Lay-Off
From my chauffering career, that is! The big day for BuzzBoy has arrived...his driver's license test. WHile we won't be just throwing him the keys willy-nily , it is nice to know that over the next few months my duties behind the wheel will be decreasing dramatically.
From one tired mama to another...I'm asking all to aid the cause : send up prayer, light candles, channel positive vibes and zap them our way. I am thrilled for him, and simply giddy about all the time I will no longer have to waste waiting around!!!
From one tired mama to another...I'm asking all to aid the cause : send up prayer, light candles, channel positive vibes and zap them our way. I am thrilled for him, and simply giddy about all the time I will no longer have to waste waiting around!!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Calculator Curriculum from Texas Instruments
Last month BuzzBoy took an excellent SAT Prep course at our local library. The instructor for the math section enlightened us that calculators were indeed allowed during the test and could be a real difference maker. She suggested purchasing a Texas Instruments TI-83Plus graphing calculator, a step up from the TI-30X IIB he had been using. This new calculator offers many added features, the best being the ability to store formulas.
BuzzBoy has kept in email contact with the instructor, who was kind enough to offer us to visit her so she could upload programs from her calculator directly to his. She took some time explaining all the great and useful functions as they pertain to the SAT testing. It was lovely to spend some time with an educator that has such passion about their subject , even for students that are not her own.
Upon her suggestion, I visited the Texas Instruments website when I got home. You can imagine my excitement to find a series of downloadable lesson plans that teach and apply the different functions of BOTH calculators. What a wealth of ideas here to add to any math and science curriculum!
HoneyGirl was thrilled to have her new hand-me-down from her brother, and eager jumped into the first activity. BuzzBoy isn't even wasting the time to print them out, but is just flying through the activities to acclimate himself with all the functions. Take some time to check out all the goodies here!
BuzzBoy has kept in email contact with the instructor, who was kind enough to offer us to visit her so she could upload programs from her calculator directly to his. She took some time explaining all the great and useful functions as they pertain to the SAT testing. It was lovely to spend some time with an educator that has such passion about their subject , even for students that are not her own.
Upon her suggestion, I visited the Texas Instruments website when I got home. You can imagine my excitement to find a series of downloadable lesson plans that teach and apply the different functions of BOTH calculators. What a wealth of ideas here to add to any math and science curriculum!
HoneyGirl was thrilled to have her new hand-me-down from her brother, and eager jumped into the first activity. BuzzBoy isn't even wasting the time to print them out, but is just flying through the activities to acclimate himself with all the functions. Take some time to check out all the goodies here!
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