I'm so glad, I finally got a system set up for homeschool, and I've actually stuck with my intentions and got us all in the habit of it!Right now we just do about one hour of structured time, first thing in the morning (after our runs and breakfast).
Rychen and Elisabeth sit at the table--Elisabeth with her coloring book and crayons; Rychen with his worksheets, scratch paper, reading book, and pencil. He gets a clipboard to keep his daily work on--this makes him excited to do each page and get it done.
Rychen has a daily checklist with a reward system. Each check is a point and if he does them all, he gets bonus points. He also has the option of doing extra work for additional bonus points, and then there are various games throughout the day for more points (e.g. in the car, he gets a point for every word he can recognize out the window).
For the summer, his daily list consists of: reading, math, handwriting, piano, housework job, exercise, Spanish/ASL, and teaching Elisabeth. If he gets all of these done, he gets 30 minutes of video/computer game time.
Meanwhile, we keep track of his points. At the end of the week he gets to "spend" his points at my Points Store--things like stickers, games, puzzles, and coupons for special outings or privileges. He enjoys doing school without the reward system, but I think it's fun, and it keeps us accountable (by reminding us to do the checklist).
Meanwhile, we keep track of his points. At the end of the week he gets to "spend" his points at my Points Store--things like stickers, games, puzzles, and coupons for special outings or privileges. He enjoys doing school without the reward system, but I think it's fun, and it keeps us accountable (by reminding us to do the checklist).
So far it's been fun, and he's really happy to do it. This morning I told him to hurry up so he can get done, and he told me "I don't care if it takes a long time." ha! Okay then!
This set-up is pretty good... I am able to do my own activity sitting at the table, or kitchen housework, as long as I'm available to give directions and help. Elisabeth is really cooperative, which is a relief. In past months, we had to do school time during her nap. But now she enjoys being a part of it. She loves coloring, and then Rychen helps her learn her shapes, colors, and alphabet.
4 comments:
Rychen teaches Elisabeth? Doesn't she learn all those things by herself just by watching us? How does he teach her? And how is her reaction on it? I am really curious about it. Our little ones are about the same age (my daughte ris 8 already, my son 2)
Well no, he doesn't really TEACH her. It's not like its his responsibility. Like when she's coloring, we say "can you give me the blue crayon?" and then repeat with the rest of the colors. Or write letters on a paper (pictured) and tell her to circle certain letters.
Fun post! Its neat to see someone elses school day when kids are close in age. I've thought about doing the points and store thing but haven't got there yet!
Read A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Demille
Post a Comment