I set my alarm as usual this morning only to find that our internet was out as soon as I got to my computer. No problem, I have a hotspot on my phone! Only that wasn’t able to connect either. I’m sure there are a million productive things I could have done, but instead I took my time getting ready for the day and some solid time scrolling Instagram too. I feel it’s a pretty good depiction of life lately- best laid plans and all. All the more reason I am grateful for keeping these virtual homeschool journals; a reflection of what our real journey in homeschooling looks like.
In My Life This Month
It’s been a hard month for reasons I will share when I’m ready. I only bring it up because it’s been a new experience to navigate being responsible for Hailey’s education while my mind is largely elsewhere. I’ve taken the advice of talking to myself as I would to a good friend and I’m happy to say that I’ve successfully been able to show myself grace. It helps that we are only in kindergarten. It helps that Hailey can read and on the days when my mind is largely absent I can resort to worksheets, computer programs, or just good old fashion letting her sit and read a book. It helps that I have some really incredible teacher friends offering me invaluable encouragement and reassurance that the one on one direction she is getting is more than enough.
On a personal note, this month I’ve deepened some of my friendships and connected with new people that have lifted my spirits and really strengthened my belief in how many incredible, loving, kind, and compassionate people are in the world. I hope that doesn’t sound hokey. I don’t know if it’s the Christmas season or what, but I feel like I’ve been blessed with seeing so much good lately. Related: I rarely, if ever, watch the news and it does wonders for my mental health too.
In Our Homeschool This Month
Sigh. Ok- honesty. It’s been all over the place. Structure and routine have been largely non-existent. However, my “talk to myself like a would a friend” mentality reminds me that learning is still taking place.
My focus when we have time to “do school” has been largely been on math. I think it’s because I am most nervous about failing her in that area and am trying to cover all my bases. Hailey can count to 250+ (maybe higher but I got distracted and zoned out- oops), add and subtract numbers <20, count by 10s and 5s, and randomly multiply (wish I could say I taught her this, but she seems to have across it on her own?). I constantly wonder though- is that on track? ahead? behind? I clearly have some deschooling work to still do so I can let go of the need to compare. I also need to let go of feeling that we need to be doing everything at once (time/clocks? handwriting? logic puzzles?) It can feel like there are too many things to try and focus on.
We are also working on money, especially adding coins, which has been a slow process. It is, however, really cool to me to see the learning sneak in just by doing life. I love taking her to Target and hearing her say “mom, these cost four dollars and 99 cents, but they are 25% off, so how much money does that take off?” and then walking her through the process.
We are still reading our Little House books together (though again, we could be more consistent with this) and she’s reading chapter books on her own. We haven’t done our Brave Writer curriculum in a couple weeks and I miss it (and have guilt over not doing it), but it takes some prep on my side that I haven’t been able to do. We’ve sprinkled in science experiments, we “study” maps and planets every meal thanks to these, and occasionally will throw in a Sid the Science Kid or Magic School Bus episode. And yes, that totally counts in my mind.
My shame gremlin (a reference from The Power of Vulnerability) is telling me not to share all this because I’m afraid people will think I’m failing at homeschool, but I’m sharing it anyway. Does it look like I want it to right now? Nope. But my kids are learning and I’ll get it back to a structure I’m comfortable with soon enough (even though I don’t see a real routine returning until after the holidays).
Places We Went and People We Saw
We had a BALL seeing so much family this month with the Thanksgiving holiday. 6 days in I asked Hailey if she was ready to get back to her own bed and she said she’d be fine if we kept house-hopping forever!
My Favorite Thing This Month
Being with my family, hands-down. I love my people so much.
What’s Working for Us
Grace. A whole-picture approach that learning encompasses more than just what can be found within the pages of a text book. Saying no to obligations and purposefully creating white space in my life which allows me to manage my stress level more effectively and be more present when parenting. It’s more obvious to me everyday how much learning takes place in the nooks and crannies of life (so true whether you homeschool or public/private/charter/etc). If I’m in a place where I am able and willing to engage in real conversation (because 6-year-olds are little people with big thoughts and questions) then we learn a lot through simply investigating her questions (deer are crepuscular by the way, a term derived from the Latin word for “twilight” meaning they are largely active at dawn and dusk) and spending time together in the car or kitchen.
Homeschool Questions and Thoughts I Have
Though I’m trying not to compare, I’m super curious what other kindergartners are learning and working on. I have a friend that sends me updates sent home from school with what her kids are working on and it’s so helpful. I hope I can let go of this in time, but for now it’s comforting for me to be able to check and see if I’m “on track.” I trust what other moms of 5/6/7 year old kids send me more than what I can find on google!
A Link to Share
Best Early Chapter Books About Girls – I found this list super helpful because I there are a ton of books for young readers to sort through and some are certainly higher quality than others.
After we went to Disney last year David and I agreed that we’d wait a few years before going back but I talked with Molly yesterday about her upcoming trip to Disney and now I have the itch. Do you think this post on DisneySchooling at The Magic Kingdom will help convince David it’s an educational experience?
I’d love to hear from you…
What is working in your life right now?
Do you have any successes to share? Struggles? Triumphs?
John J. says
Nice sharing. You are so open as you share your thoughts, feelings, and what you have been doing. You are a wonderful communicator. Always love the pics as well.
Brittany Dixon says
Can’t wait to see you soon and communicate in person! 🙂 <3
Nan says
You’re doing awesome. From what you post, it is pretty clear Hailey is gifted with a very high IQ. That might make things harder for you in a few years but I’m sure you can handle it now and as for the math, youngest grandson- just turned 13 and an 8th grader- is 2 years ahead in math and will have his second year of HS math credit after he completes 8th grade. He’s be taking calculus soon! You can always hire a private tutor when that time comes. He and his brother are in a Cambridge/AICe program at their schools.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh wow, calculus! That’s amazing. I’m grateful for all the options (online, tutors, homeschool group classes) that I can access as subjects get more advanced (if we continue with homeschooling). Thank you for your comment!
Laura says
It sounds like you and Hailey are doing AMAZING! My daughter has a summer birthday (so only a few months older than Hailey) and is in first grade in a good public school in the Atlanta suburbs of Georgia. I would say my daughter is right on grade level and it sounds like she and Hailey are doing the same things right now.
She is reading simple chapter books but still prefers to read picture books and have me to read the chapter books, and in class doing a lot of story “analysis” (i.e., do you understand what happened in the story). In math, they are doing adding and subtracting and money. Time hasn’t even been addressed yet (after winter break I think…)
Hope this helps ease your mind a little!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you; yes that helps so much!! I like the tip about story analysis, too. We have a couple books that have questions in the back, but I’ll start incorporating a few more on my own as we read as well. I love that. And it’s helpful to hear that time hasn’t been addressed yet. Thank you for the input!
Jerri Lynn says
I think the math part of the home schooling is well ahead of her age. Don’t be afraid of going over the basic addition and subtraction over and over again. It is better to dive deep into the basics and really understand the concepts, than it is to skim over things in the want to teach something new everyday. Does that make sense? Remember, worrying about your kids is part of being a good parent!
SHU says
I am thinking of you, whatever you are going through. I think you are doing a GREAT job with Hailey’s schooling from what you write here!
Since Annabel is in kindergarten I’ll share her stuff 🙂 She is in a gifted class (our district is slightly crazy and most kids do private testing when kids are 4 to get placed in gifted if appropriate from the start). She can read (not hard/long words but can sound out anything and can read easy stories/etc), can write (with very cute phonetic spelling). Classes include reading/language arts, spanish (we’re in miami beach after all), math (they are adding, subtracting, doing “word problems” mostly doing Common Core curriculum; she has some more skills beyond this and really likes math), social studies (various concepts about community, cultures, etc). She does about 20 minutes of homework pretty independently each day. I am happy to share more if you want more details 🙂
Laura says
So awesome that Hailey is already recognizing and questioning percents/ discounts at the store! Even in the middle school years, my students sometimes struggle with this concept (percent of a number as related to discounts, tax, tip, etc) and I think a little bit of real life exposure and discussion goes a long way. Also, an important math question that I try to get my students in the habit of continuously asking “is it (the answer/ number) reasonable?” It doesn’t matter that we all carry calculators around on our phones, I try to get the point across that anyone can type in a wrong number or make a mistake, but the important part being able to identify those mistakes, which are often related to money directly or indirectly when it comes to real life situation.
Erin says
Sending hugs and love for whatever’s happening behind the scenes. Also my daughter is in first grade and I second what was already said that Hailey is doing a lot of stuff we don’t cover until first grade. We haven’t even done time yet. Kindergarten I feel like the first nine weeks was just about teaching kids how to be a kid in school- transition to centers, sit on the mat and not poke a friend, listen to the teacher and follow directions, etc. I think you’re doing an amazing job and Hailey is way ahead of kindergarten. Just a personal observation. Also I was talking to a friend recently who homeschools and just moved- so she basically lost three or four weeks of “schooling”. But she said she was trying not to stress over it because that’s why she homeschools in general. When life is busy you can learn in life and then when things calm down be more present in the book stuff. Life ebbs and flows. Math will be there for you when you’re ready.
Elizabeth says
Hailey seems extremely advanced! Wow! I’d definitely take it easy on yourself.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
It sounds like H is ahead of the game! I don’t remember doing adding and subtracting until 1st grade. She sounds very smart. 🙂 Whatever you’re going through just know you have a BIG community all over to support you. <3
Maria says
The shame gremlin – hey, I have one of those 😉 I really need to check out The Power of Vulnerability.
I have nothing to add to homeschooling but I know you are doing an amazing job and it’s clear because H is obviously thriving, happy, and learning new things. My advice would be to read a bit about how education works in Sweden/Denmark. They don’t adhere to such strict schedules as they do here in the US and include a LOT of outdoor time. It’s very interesting and may give you some perspective.
Also, I got Nora some of the My First Little House Books. They are picture books that are adapted from TLH Books and are so adorable! The artwork is great and we love them. Might be good for K! Clearly, we are still obsessed with LIW over here!
Maria says
Okay, I so I meant FINLAND! Ha. Sleep deprived.
Leah says
A little insight from a product of homeschooling (me). I was hom schooled until I went to public school in 8th grade. Some years my parents were super structured and some years I literally read baby sitter club books non stop. My mom used all life experiences as learning opportunities. We wrote checks at the store, used coupons to learn math etc. When I started public school my mom had no idea where I would end up compared to my peers. Well one quarter into 8th grade I was moved to all honors classes and stayed in honors through high school. I went on to a major university and I am now starting graduate school. My 3 siblings had similar experiences when entering public school. So all that to say lack of “structure” in homeschooling is not a bad thing. There is so much more to learning than what you learn in school. Good job!
Lauren says
I’m homeschooling a kindergartner too and you guys sound a lot like how we’re doing. I shoot to have something “educational” each day and leave it at that… but there’s obviously so much more because they’re learning in everything they do. I’m more of an Unschooler because I like this approach…. my son learns more when I back off and let him take the lead, and it takes the pressure off me a bit ;).
Jen says
I started to comment and it turned in to a book! So I emailed you 😁 You are enough and doing a fantastic job!
sherry says
You are doing a fantastic job with H. She has a curious mind that lends itself to learning—and it doesn’t have to be structured. You are so open–no need to compare, it robs one of happiness 🙂 . When you let yourself be seen, you have no need to “fit in”, because you find a place where you “belong”. You have a wonderful support group of friends and social media (not to mention most important family!)–where you belong!
Kim says
You are doing a great job and it shows. Hailey is doing great and ahead of most but do not compare her to others, I know it can be hard as you just want to make sure she is on the right track. You are doing everything well and she will do just fine 🙂 Continued hugs and prayers coming your way!
Kimm says
You are doing a great job and it shows. Hailey is doing great and ahead of most but do not compare her to others, I know it can be hard as you just want to make sure she is on the right track. You are doing everything well and she will do just fine 🙂 Continued hugs and prayers coming your way!
Heather says
So sorry life is bringing you down. BIG HUG!
Sarah says
I think it would be really helpful for you to read the common core standards. They are listed here by subject area and grade.
http://www.corestandards.org/read-the-standards/
I think this will help you if you really want some solid evidence as to whether or not you are teaching everything that you should for kindergarten (or if you want to enrich her learning, and start to shoot for 1st grade standards). They are quite wordy, so if you need some help interpreting them, let me know! (and yes, I am a certified teacher). 🙂
Erin says
I think you’re doing fantastic! It’s so easy to slide a little off track now and then but don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re daughter sounds very ahead of schedule. I homeschooled preschool for both of my boys and they have been in public school K-2. I saw one of your BLW posts (which I’ve started on my youngest) and it led me to read your homeschool journals. I’m so inspired that I’m considering homeschooling my 1st and 3rd grader next year. I think I speak for most when I say, don’t hold back when you fail. Share every bit of your experiences, good AND bad. It makes me feel more normal and I don’t feel as pressured to be as perfect of a mother, wife, teacher as some out there portray to be. I do not judge you! And I don’t think anyone else who follows you does either. Thank you for being so honest and sharing! Keep up being amazing! What wonderful memories you’re creating for your girls. (Sorry for any grammar mistakes etc. coffee is just kicking in and fingers are hitting keys like crazy!)
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Erin!! Thank you so much for your thoughtful and supportive comment; it means so much to me! I think I actually feel a little guilty that I love homeschool so much so far but don’t necessarily think I’m doing an perfect job with it. I love hearing what everyone else is studying/learning (homeschool and regular school) because it makes me feel better about it all too. I sure appreciate the encouragement!