I'm looking for rainbows today. I know that sounds silly, it's a beautiful sunny California day. Yesterday was quite stormy for me and I'm usually the optimistic can do anything Super Homeschool Mom. But as with anything in life, we all have our moments when times can seem bleak. What I learned about yesterday, is just like with any storm, the sun will shine again. And isn't that the truth in our homeschool lives as well? Teaching the kids can sometimes be like stormy weather, but then the sun comes out and all is right again. I have to put this in my notes to self category so I won't forget! TM : )
Do you have a moment? You do? Great! Now that I have your attention, I'd like to talk to you about, well, you. I know most of you reading this are homeschool Moms and I'm worried about you. Really! I am. I know that me writing this may be silly, but I am a homeschool Mom too and I know that you need to have time to just be you. You know, grown up and not a Mom/Teacher for that particular moment. I know, I know, "But Tracy, when do I have the time?" Make the time. Use your husband for assistance. Use the grandparents. Use your sister, brother, neighbor (if they're your friends), use your resources... come on, you're a homeschool Super Mom! Take the time to care for you and you will be that much better (I mean you're already good!) at taking care of everyone else. You don't forget, and I will put this in my "Notes To Myself" section so I won't forget! Deal? TM : )
Simplicity should be left alone. If something is working, why fix it? Haven't we all heard the saying, "If it ain't broken...?", you know the rest. It's almost as if we are thinking, that if something is too easy, we need to improve on it by making it complicated so it's much more than it really is. So, how's your teaching? Why do I ask? Are you trying to make it more than what it really is? I know I do sometimes. Okay, note to self, 1+1= 2. Simple, leave it alone! TM : )
Please remember this... small increments, a little bit at a time, little steps, or baby steps. Okay, so you're wondering what's the point Tracy? My point (note to self), is when we teach our children, just because we have this BIG plan or project for them, we need to remind them (and ourselves) to take it a little at a time. Sometimes as teachers/parents we have this vision of grandeur when it comes to projects and or assignments and a timeline just as grand to finish. But really, we need to remember not to intimidate our kids. We want them to succeed, not feel defeated. So take your time and do it in small, but manageable increments. And remember (note to self again), it starts with just one step (baby steps) to climb to the top of the mountain. TM : )
It's Friday. How did you do? How was your first week back from winter break? Were you refreshed and ready to go? Or was it a slow, crawling start? I started the week ready with actually a bit of gusto, but my youngest (1st grade) had other plans! She was refreshed to the point of, "Let's just have school sometimes." Okay, I needed to try a different approach. Hmmm... learning without feeling like school. Ah-Ha! A trip to the library never feels like school in our household. What? You want to make Valentine's cards? Does that include writing? It DOES? Yes, we're in! The computer? You want to go on BrainPop? Fine with me. I think I like my daughter's refreshed attitude after all. Her attitude has helped me to differentiate between "school sometimes" and learning all the time. TM : )
Recently I've been going out into the world of the "Mommy Blogs" and I kind of lost track of where I am in the scheme of it all. For a moment, I forgot what it is that I am trying to accomplish. I had to remind myself the reason I am writing this blog. It's not about pictures, give aways, or how many friends I have in the blog galaxy. It is to encourage you, and keep reminding you, that you matter. You are making a difference with the next generation by teaching your children. Good job and good for you! Next time I travel outside of my comfort zone, I need to remember to drop a trail of breadcrumbs! TM : )
For 2010 I will hug my children more. I will work on my patience. I will practice the "little things", and I will remember to prioritize what's most important to me on a daily basis. I will smile often. And when I smile, I'll know that no matter what, it will be okay. TM : )
Believe in yourself. Believe in your children. Now teach what you believe with your heart and mind, and your children will become compassionate and wise. Wouldn't it be nice to have a world full of confident adults that believe they can accomplish anything they want? What a great feeling of satisfaction for them, AND for us. Another point for homeschool! TM : )
The end of the day is a good time to reflect on all that you have accomplished. Are your kids breathing? Did they learn something new today? Did you laugh today? Did you give them lots of hugs? Mission accomplished! TM : )
Good for you! What a great job! You did it! Another day of teaching your children that life is as good as you make it. TM : )
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