Keep it easy

Well, we're into our 2nd week of school, and I've noticed we have a problem.

School is rather difficult with a 4, 2 1/2, and 1 year old - not to mention being pregnant too.

After trying things different ways and only resulting in stress, I believe I've finally come up with a solution that will work for us and our family schooling time.

My main stressor is a messy house. And just what do you think 3 children equal?? A messy house - constantly!

My 2nd stressor - not being able to do anything with my older two school wise without the baby getting into mischief in the school room.

The other day we had two casualties - he managed to chew off the tips of two new markers and was eating them. Well, maybe he was trying to make purple from red and blue?? BTW - Crayons are a favorite chew toy for him too!

Finally the light went off - what have I been sharing here and on my other sites?? Keep it simple, keep it fun!

I've been trying to stick to the routine, and neglecting that life is life. But who says life has to be school from 9 to 12, or whatever schedule you follow?

So... we're going a different, easier route for us. Yes, we'll still start our morning the same as normal - but we're going to COMPLETE that routine.

I've tried to have the children learn to have their own little schedule of things to follow each morning, but became lax in sticking to it. From now on, our mornings are going to be a time of cleaning our rooms (they help one another pick up and make beds - all I have to do is pull the far side of the sheet up), while I clean up the breakfast dishes.

Then we'll all clean the living room together. At 10:30, we take a break and enjoy a show on PBS called "Word World". All the characters and main background images are made of letters. The pig is actually the pink letters PIG - and looks like a pig.

I wasn't impressed when I first saw it, but my little ones have loved this show. I've been amazed at how they've picked up on letter sounds, and want to 'build a word!'

Just remember to use discretion - some shows have attitudes that I don't allow my children to display, and my oldest has thankfully learned well what is right and wrong. He will leave the room when they make fun of one another, or are hateful, or if it's scary.

He's so sweet and innocent. Should I discourage that, is it a weakness? NO! It's his heart being open to the Lord's spirit. If it's something that grieves the Holy Spirit, then by all means it should grieve my children!

Anyway, I just wanted to share this show - there are a lot of cute episodes that really teach young preschoolers their ABC's and sounds.

From now on, we might have a little school here and there, but for the most part during the day, we'll focus on life's lessons/ responsibilities - and have school time with the older two once Daddy gets home.

Don't stress - keep it fun - and they'll learn and love it!