kellicrowe

Homeschool: When the day falls apart

About a week ago, everyone was grumpy.

We were 45 minutes into our school day and there had been tears.

Everyone was out of sorts for some reason.

I told the boys to go get the pool noodles and have a battle on the trampoline for 20 minutes.

I took that time to veg. out and eat chocolate. 

At 9:45 am.

Because some days you just need to have a pool noodle fight on the trampoline.

And some days you just need some chocolate.

At least 3 times a week, people tell me something like this:

"I could never home school because my child and I would kill each other."

"My son would never listen to me."

"I would go crazy trying to teach her math."

"Our personalities just clash."

"We are too much alike."

In fact, people now say this to me more than,

"So, are you trying for a girl?"

(I guess I am looking my age and they are thinking that ship has sailed or something.)

I am not amazing at keeping the boys happy during school.

(I am amazing at making dioramas.  Just FYI.)

Almost every day someone is:

1. Surprised they have to do school  

2. Disappointed they have to do school

3. Hopes I only want them to complete just 1 thing and then will let them have a break.

We've been at this for 7 years.

But this isn't about how you could lift a car off your kid if it was what you knew was best for them so of course you could teach them math.

Or a debate on home school vs. regular school - because the answer to that is "whatever is best for your kid and your family."  

This is: What I Do When The Day Falls Apart.

1. Is there something going on or do the kids just need to buckle down and work harder?

Allergies, not enough sleep, hunger, hurt feelings: these are all things that I try to have compassion about.

Wishing you had less work to do, complaining about the work or just being in a bad mood is something the kids just need to push on through.  I always tell them they don't have to do the assignment now.  They can just sit there.  But it will be the next thing they do.  Because I have always stuck to that, I've never had anyone sit there longer than 15 minutes.  Then they eventually decide they, as David would say, "Want to get on with their life."

2. If it falls into the first category, then is there something I can do about it?

Sometimes I let them switch up the order of their activities.

Sometimes we break for a snack (peach milkshakes are a big hit.)

I let them do something active like jump on the trampoline, see how many times they can hit a ping pong ball with a paddle, toss a bean bag back and forth as I call out math facts.

And sometimes I go for silly...like musical chairs.  When the music plays, run around the table. Sit down when the music stops and do whatever work is in front of you.  That's right....a 2nd grader may have 7th grade math in front of him.  It is only for a minute or so and then the music starts again.  I would never do this when they are working on something like their journals or art.  Nothing that they would be upset for their brother to write on.  This is great for maps, geography, spelling, math.  They know a wrong answer by their brother will not count against them.

Just pausing for a conversation with them is helpful too.  Also, adding humor to the activity.  Ex: Replace math word problem words with other ones.  Instead of eating 3 apples, Molly ate 3 monster trucks.  If she ate 2 more the next day, how many monster trucks in all did Molly eat?  

I let them pick out of their whole week's worth of assignments (which I give to them on Monday) what they want to work on.  If they want to just do one subject right on through for the whole week, then go right ahead.  I think that little bit of control in their hands often makes them feel better.

3. Yeah...I don't have a number 3.  It seems like to have a list...I should have at least 3 things.  OK, so what do you do when your day (Home school or whatever kind of day you normally have) falls apart?

I would be willing to bet that someone might propose an argument that it is a life lesson for them to do their work no matter what.  And in the real world they do not get to have a noodle fight on the trampoline.  

Well...

Their school day is their real world.  And no, they wouldn't make it in the grown up world....because they are kids.  So I do not have grown up world expectations for them.  And they do all of their work.

In the grown up world, in the variety of jobs that I had, I've  always had the autonomy to get up from my desk and go and get a kit kat if I wanted to.  When I set up displays for Target, Wal-mart and K-mart, I made my own schedule based on when I was the most productive.  If I felt like I just needed someone to talk to for a few minutes, I could talk with someone I worked with.  Autonomy is a good thing.  Learning to be flexible vs. falling apart over something you can change is a good thing.  

Also a good thing... fixing the trampoline.  When did that pole come apart?!  Yipes.

 

Free scrap booking class: Back to School Mini Album

 

I'm teaching a free, online class this week at TwoPeasInABucket.com.  You can find the discussion thread here.  And the "seed" that includes the PDF with instructions here.  

 

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan

 

In defense of Sharon Lathan:  Wow, some of the book reviewers over at Amazon.com really do not like this book.  I'm going to respectfully disagree with them and tell you this book is quite entertaining.  

1. She states in the forward that this book is inspired by the 2005 Keira Knightly / Matthew Macfadyin movie.  This is not my favorite or the most accurate representation of Jane Austen's work.  (I griped through the whole movie, to be honest.  I think my quote was, "This movie is like driving through Chicago at 60 miles an hour and saying you've visited the city").   However, who am I to begrudge Ms. Lathan for how she came to love Darcy and Elizabeth?  It is a club big enough for us all.  

2. The title of the book is The Two Shall Become One.  And they do become one.  A lot.  And with gusto.  

3. I think those who love Pride and Prejudice all hope to read a follow up that sounds just like it was written by Jane Austen herself.  In fact, if there were a follow up uncovered to have been secretly written by Jane, people probably would have problems with that one as well.  There are a few that really have hit all the marks for me.  That is the exception...not the expectation.  I have to read them all.  Have to.  "Some of [them] I throw across the room in disgust...but even when I angrily throw the book at the wall, I retrieve it and continue to read, looking for something I can enjoy." (Quote from writer Regina Jeffers on reading follow ups to P&P which I whole hearted-ly embrace.)

Using the appropriate expectations and references, I quite liked the book.  I finished it and immediately ordered the next 2.

 

Blurb from the back of the book:

...Their courtship was tempestuous; misunderstandings and misgivings nearly tore them apart.  But now they've seen each other without prejudice, their trust, attraction, and delight in each other grows with each passing day.  Both are inexperienced and innocent, sharing moments of shyness and boldness as they discover the kinds of intimacies that a newlywed couple shares.

As their love story unfolds, they reveal their innermost secrets and feelings, embracing each other in a marriage filled with romance, passion, humor, and drama that will keep you spellbound.

 

 

 

Language: B

Characterization: B

Plot: B

Revisit vs. Rehash: A

Nit Picky Things: C

Wonderful Moments: A+

Originality: A

The moment I was hooked: A+

Language:  

 

Darcy and Elizabeth do not merely miss each other, they yearn. They are not just happy but thrilled.  They are not just in love but enraptured.  The language is romantic and plentiful.  (Lathan likes to describe things in detail.)  There are a few words that do not seem to fit, like "lamely."  

B

 

 

Characterization:   

Darcy is funny, thoughtful, sentimental and poetic at times.  It is as if once he let down his guard with Elizabeth, the transition from who he was to who he becomes with her is complete and instant.  I would have liked to see more of a transformation process for him.  While it did feel like we were playing a game of telephone at times (where the original message has gotten a bit distorted, i.e. the characters themselves),  I grew to like this version of Darcy.  You know, once I loosened up a bit.  He writes romantic letters to My Dear, Precious Elizabeth, is a fantastic gift giver and trains and breaks horses for pleasure.  What is not to like? (Maybe if he were moved to tears a little less often.  What is it about a haughty Darcy that works for me?)

Elizabeth felt far more recognizable to me.  An interesting mixture of confidence and trepidation about her new life.

This is the first book of now 4 in a series.  There are wonderful characters in the coming books.  I certainly wanted to read more once I finished the first.

B

 

Plot: Using flashbacks, Lathan was able to add tension to parts of the story we already know. Brilliant.  

 

I felt the story moved along really well, if at times slowed down a bit by paragraphs of description. But remembering that Lathan was inspired by a movie, I felt she was really trying to give the reader a visual.  I prefer dialog and plot movement to description.  But that is just me.  

 

There were moments where the plot reminded me of Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll. Each author chose some similar plot twists.  (This is true when comparing Berdoll's 2 books to Lathan's first 2).  However, the characters do not always respond in similar ways: in propriety, public displays of affection, swimming, dancing, the waltz...)  It was quite interesting for me to be able to compare the two.  I will say, it was not interesting to my husband at all to listen to me compare the two.  And I can not do it here without ruining the story for each book.

 

(I am in no way saying I think either author borrowed from the other.  I think there are a limited number of things that could happen to Darcy and Elizabeth given the time period and the information we already know about them.)

 

There is a lot of marital affection.  And it is described in detail.  A lot of detail.  There were parts I skimmed because it was just a bit much.  I wanted Darcy and Elizabeth to have a fulfilling marriage but hearing them call each other "Lover" made me wince.  

 

Oh, yes, and as I have established, run into the ground and beat a dead horse with...this book was based on the 2005 movie.  So there are flashbacks and references to things that only happened in that movie.  Ex: There is a bust of Darcy instead of a portrait.  

 

 

B

 

 

Rehash or Revisit:  No rehashing, which is excellent.  A few moments are referred to in conversation among characters and usually in a humorous or clever way.  There are 2 extended flashbacks that give new information and fit in very nicely to the story.

A

Nit Picky Things: The description of the romantic scenes.  It really did go on for pages.  

C

Wonderful Little Moments:   So many!  Elizabeth falling asleep on Darcy's arm,  The Book, skating, Darcy and Elizabeth's conversation while dancing.  The book is filled with wonderful moments.

A+

Originality: The only one I have read so far inspired not by the book or the 1995 movie, but by (lets say it all together this time) the 2005 Keira Knightly movie.

A

The moment I was hooked:  The first line. "Thank goodness it is finally over, Fitzwilliam Darcy thought with a heavy sigh."  I loved it that we were thrown right in where we left off with Austen.

A+

So , yes, the I heart Darcy and Elizabeth Club is big enough for us all.  Even if we think that those who love the 2005 movie version have to sit in the cheap seats.  But as those of us who are devoted to the 1995 Colin Firth / Jennifer Ehle movie version look down our noses at them...just remember that there is a group doing the same to us.  They many even challenge us to locate the exact passage where Darcy emerges from the  pond in a wet, white shirt in Austen's work.  I'm sure I remember reading it....

This is the original cover of the book.  Some libraries may have this version.

If this book were a movie, it would be rated R for the abounding, ardent love scenes.

 

Hush little baby...

I kinda wish I had the option of purchasing this (Crowe) Crow Mobile when the kids were babies.

I think it would have made a lovely addition above a crib.

(Are you reading Catalog Living?  

It cracks me up daily. 

And it has totally changed the way I look at Pottery Barn.

Who knew the Pottery Barn catalogue could get better??!)

 

Really, it was inevitable...

I have had so many people send me this link:)

And really, when you think about it, it was inevitable for there to eventually be a Jane Austen / Fight Club moment.

Emma Thompson's 1995 Golden Globe acceptance speech,  given as she were Jane Austen.  

Just because I learned how to embed a video.

The book reviews start back on Monday.

Things overhead in my kitchen this morning

Alex - "Now these people know how to make a vitamin."

Max - "Yes, these are good!"

Alex - "All medicine companies should learn how to make medicine from them."

Max - "Right, so then we wouldn't have to suffer."

(They take Yummi Bears Vegetarian Calcium with Vit. D Dietary Supplement.   Yummi Bear people, if you need some spokespeople....I've got 2 good candidates for you.)

 

Max - "Is a sunburn like a tan?"

Alex - "It is like a tan that has gone too far."

Max - "Oh, right."

(Does it seem appropriate that this photo of Max a few weeks ago, buried in sand, looks a bit grainy?) 

Me - "Daddy feels sick, so lets not bother him today and let him rest." 

Max - "I would only bother him if I were bleeding to death or there was a wolf spider in the house." 

Me - "Sounds about right." 

(David later established Max meant a goliath spider...which is the size of a dinner plate.  I just need to believe they don't even live on this continent.) 

 

Organizing: Clothes

Dear Clothes,

Beware.  I am done with clothes that bunch, scratch and shimmie into places they have no business being in the first place.  So all of you t-shirts that bite under the arms: Outta here.  Things that are hand wash AND have to be ironed : See ya.  Too thick sweaters that feel like they are attacking me when I am driving the car: hasta la vista.  

Now, some of you have been around for a while.  Like since I stopped growing around 6th grade.  We've had some good times.  But seriously, loyalty aside, I have no business wearing some of you anymore. (Maybe except for the suede vest...because you never know when you'll be invited to a rodeo last minute.)

So while you all are still in good shape - someone else might be able to benefit from having you.  If things aren't comfortable and easy between us, off you go. Thanks for the support.  Literally.

Sincerely,

Kelli
 

Kid Craft - Numbered shirts with fabric paint

 (My boys and my niece Madison)

 

1. Draw your number onto the dull side of the freezer paper.

(It can sometimes be hard to find.  It has a waxie side and a dull side to it)

2. Cut out the inside of your number.  

(So I cut out the 3 and not the surrounding background to the 3)

3. Iron the freezer paper onto a white, cotton t-shirt, waxie side down.

(We used Hanes undershirts for the boys.)

4. We took a legal tablet and put a plastic grocery bag over it.  Then we slid it in between the front and back layers of the shirt.  This will keep the paint from going all the way through the fabric.  If you have multiple t-shirts to make, then you can slide out the legal pad (or piece of cardboard) and leave the plastic bag inside the shirt while it dries.  Then cover it again and use the tablet inside another shirt.  

5.. Using foam paint dabbers, dab (do not brush), the fabric paint inside the stenciled number.

 (These foam, flat ended brushes are what I am calling paint dabbers.  Anything that lets you apply the paint in a non stroking manner works.  By actually brushing the paint, you may get some of it underneath your stencil.)

6. Allow the paint to become dry to the touch.

7. Peel off the freezer paper.

8. Follow the directions according to the fabric paint (does the finished product need to go into the dryer or have a hot iron over it?).  If the fabric paint just feels dry to the touch and you haven't waited the right length of time- it can still get on other fabrics.  Trust me on this one.

   

9. Then jump for joy.

You can also do this project by printing off iron on numbers from your computer.

Or you can hand draw the outline of the numbers in a black fabric marker onto the t-shirt.  Then you can let the kids color in the outlined numbers in a lighter colored marker.  This way, if they color outside the lines (gasp) you can still tell what the number should be.
 

It isn't a new idea - just the first time we used it.

Homeschool: Reviewing for a Test

One of my favorite ways for the boys to review for a test of terms

(or to have a pop quiz)

is to make a crossword puzzle for them

using Discovery Channel's Discovery Education site.

On the home page, there is a "in the classroom" and "at home" section.

The puzzle maker is what I use.

You don't even have to log in to use it.

There are actually quite a few sites that let you make crosswords and word jumbles, etc.

However, I have had some trouble printing them out at times.

That is why I like Discovery Education.

AND

when you make your own crossword puzzle, you can include

important information on it that your children need to know....

Such as question #7.

 

They had to phone a friend.

At last...

Technology and my old soul have met, at last.

 

Post it note punch buggy (and giveaway winner)

We saw this car in our church parking lot.

If you look closely, it says "WE Heart U" in post it notes.

The random number generator picked the following as the winner of the scrapbook supplies.  Denise, e-mail me you address and put BLOG in the subject line.  I'll get your stuff right out to you.

Denise M. said...

This summer - I spent four weeks in the Adirondacks, put my house up for sale, met lovely people, went to a funeral, visited family, worked on design plans, started a new job, started ball & yoga, took classes. Thanks Kelli

ReplyAugust 30, 2010 at 09:57 PM

Thanks for playing!!

 

laundry deconstructionism

(Scrapbook supply giveaway until Friday HERE)

She choose not to see it so much as 

folding laundry that had taken on the shape of the laundry basket...

but more as deconstructionism of modern, domestic art.

(She actually saw it as deconstructionalism but spell check told her it wasn't a word.  Yet, it felt oddly fitting as most words in the art world seem to have extra syllables that add the vague-ativitality of that their true meaning.)