Ok - I know I haven't written anything in ages - I've been in a funk.  Lots of things going on and not all of them pleasant.  But I won't go on about that - it's just not necessary.  My daughter started her first day of high school this week!!  Unbelievable.  We went to open house on Tuesday and I told my husband I could just SMELL the hormones.  It was horrible.  And so many chests showing, it was scary.  Poor mothers with boys.  I so wish I could homeschool her - I can't imagine the peer issues she will be faced with, but her dad (my ex) will not hear of it.  On the other hand, my little first grader and I did start back to school this week.  I was all excited - got my "literature-based" curriculum all out and ready.  I've read a LOT about the importance of good literature and "living books" over the summer and just couldn't wait to start filling her young head with all of the good stories waiting for us.  Here's the problem.  She seems a little bored.  She likes to read the Bible.  She likes reading to me from her Beginner's Bible.  But that's about where the interest ends.  I am trying to read A Child's History of the World and she is thinking "when can we be finished so that I can go and create fins from paper towels so that my dolls can be mermaids??".  She couldn't care less if the Tigris and Euphrates flow into the Persian Gulf.  What if they just aren't interested in all of the good literature I'm encouraged to read to them?  How do I foster a love of books in a child who would just rather be playing with her 4yo sister and creating things??  Oh, and she does like practicing handwriting.  I suppose that fits into the creative category for her.  I know that it is a good thing for her to create and imagine, but school has to fit in somewhere!  Is this a discipline issue?  I don't mean discipline as in spanking, time-out, etc - I mean as in teaching self-discipline and being able to sit and listen to a good story and pay attention??  Has anyone else out there dealt with this issue?  I would LOVE to hear from some of you!!!!!!!  I will try to write more later - it's 1:00am here and I have to get up at 6:00 am for church!!  I had too much Cola tonight and don't do well with caffeine, so I am still awake when I should be ASLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by panshrmu

this year, but we only focus on the 3R's for 1-3rd. Yup, they could care less usually about the other stuff. Though science we do occasionally, when the occassion brings it up (seeds, flowers, catepillars, nature). I wouldn't personally focus on her listening to that stuff. OR if you want to do it so you can use what you have, have her hands busy. Color a picture....she could've quietly made the fins for her mermaids while you read. How long was it? our first grade lessons are 15min starting out the new school and then moving up when I feel he is ready to 20 min. We use Rod and Staff, textbook oriented which my kids love!! oh, i have a 4yr old too who does workbooks (not official school mind you) while big brothers do school.
Deana--in Taiwan

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Posted by seventhheaven

I also use a literature based curriculum. I love it. But like you have said my little ones dont always wont to sit still for the reading. I use Sonlight curriculum and it mixes in other activities so its not all reading aloud. Of course at this age an hour worth of school is all they need if that much. Im not sure what all your school day consists of but when weather permits Ive always used nature walks for some of the 'school'.

As for the above comment I can see why the commentor was anon. A bit hostle dont you think. I think its also bit judgemental. Such comments should be deleted and disregarded. I love this blogging community but there are still those that cant resist such comments.

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Posted by jojatek89

I did delete the last comment - hopefully it wasn't meant the way that it sounded.

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Posted by Naise

I always found having the kids make a jounal entry about what I was reading, or the music we were listening to, helped keep the creative ones focused. When they were younger it consisted of a picture, and a sentence or two describing what they learned. It is so much fun to look over those years later! You get a mixed bag of entries, but some still spark a memory of what we were learning!
Hope it helps,
Naise

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