... not half-heartedly. not half-committed. nor half-prepared. Because I know me. I don't do something half-way. Either I do it 100%. Or I... don't.
And though Charis more than excelled in her kindergarten year, I didn't feel like I "did it", you know? We had no set schedule. no specific goals. and therefore no "real" measurement of what we were doing.
So this year, her 1st grade year, had to be different. If I was taking on the education of my children for this season, I knew I had to set it up so that I could teach with integrity.
Meaning:
--it would have the full dedication of my time and energy. that they had my complete attention during learning time
--my depth of creativity would strive to engage their minds. that I would spend time actually planning fun and exciting things that would stimulate their brains and birth in them a love for learning.
--and most importantly, that I would do so with the fullness of joy in my heart. Notice, I didn't say happiness. Joy...handed down from the Father. Not based on circumstances. but something practiced. intentional. chosen.
Because I don't want to be a grouchy mom trudging my way through home schooling. Always annoyed that they aren't getting it right. doing it perfectly. or acting like mini-adults.
If I cannot do it with a smile... create an atmosphere of joy in the midst of learning for them... cause them to want to learn just by my attitude and approach concerning it... Then I don't want to do it. Period. What good comes from having a miserable mom/teacher?
SOOO for me, all of the above simply cannot happen unless the atmosphere I am surrounded in is pleasing. practical. and peaceful. Therefore, these last months have been spent preparing both myself and our home to do just that.
SETTING THE STAGE: THE HOME. THE CLASSROOM. THE EXPRESSION of LEARNING:
Since my mind is wired to respond to organization and beauty and comfort, I've just "finished" revamping my home (there's still more changes to come). making it more kid-friendly and less formal feeling. Because what child can learn in an environment where they don't feel they can let loose? Where there are rooms that they feel they must avoid when kicking back?
So a month ago, I prepped the home. Brought down the colorful table from the girls' room to the dining room. Along with some not-so-pretty storage containers filled with art supplies of all kinds. Carried toys and games and books down the stairs and set them throughout the house.
I figured it was time for a change. Especially after the Lord told me "You feel happiest when surrounded by color. When you are surrounded by life!" And really, what's more colorful and life-giving than children's toys? and the subsequent playing of said toys?!!
After all, we ARE a family with lots of kids. May as well live like they aren't kept locked in the attic. I mean, yeah they are and all ...but we don't want to look like it, right? *wink/tease*
After all, we ARE a family with lots of kids. May as well live like they aren't kept locked in the attic. I mean, yeah they are and all ...but we don't want to look like it, right? *wink/tease*
And the results have been amazing! Craft items of all kinds are at the ready disposal of the girls. They use their table non-stop throughout the day. AND *drum roll* even Jet and I like it!! (I grew up in a house where I felt, as a child, everything had to look like it was out of a magazine. And I didn't want to do recreate that in my home...for my children. So I wanted the balanced look of kid-friendly yet beautiful. And I truly love the way it's coming together!)
Every room now has some sort of learning opportunity for them to engage in. A place for them to kick back and relax and play and learn and just be. Our home now feels like the Stage has been Set to Learn.
So then I moved on to the next phase: FINDING THE HEARTBEAT...to be continued
