It used to be that we could all sit on the couch helping Natalie, but now I'm pulled in two directions while simultaneously worried about getting dinner prepared. Since switching to the Paleo diet in the summer, dinners have become simpler, which is a good thing.
I've also tried a few different things to organize the homework crunch, but the most recent and the one that's worked the best, is the simplicity of a white board.
I basically write the same thing every day: Homework, Practice Instrument, Spelling, Math Facts.... and then they might have to do chores depending on their other after school activities. January has been difficult for chores because we've added ice skating lessons on Tuesday nights. February promises to be better.
What I love about the white board is I'm not constantly telling them step-by-step what they have to do. They don't finish one thing only to realize they have to do something else. Before there was whining and complaining. Now they see the full list and erase it as they go. The expectation is fully laid out and they know there's an end.
There's still some push back occasionally when they don't want to do math facts or perhaps practice their instrument, but I just say, "It's on the list. Get it done." And that's that.
Have you come up with any strategies to help with your after school routine?
We homeschool and have used the white board many times, depending on where we lived and what kind of space we had. It's nice to just be able to point, or remind them to check the board. Less drama. :)
ReplyDeleteThats funny, Mark and I just talked last night about getting 4 boards for the kids since they are always forgetting some chore or reading. So we are going out tonight to pick some up one for each kid.
ReplyDeleteMy 1st grader attends a Montessori school, so there is very little homework. However, we do have a weekly schedule of piano/violin practice, tennis, chess and a few sheets of homework. We've found a weekly goal is very helpful...it gives her control and choice over her week. She knows what she HAS to get done by Thursday mornings & sometimes it takes reminders from us. But, we get zero push back. As with most things, it depends on the child:)
ReplyDeleteWe have only 2 kids, and each has a white board that is on the refrigerator. We don't use it as often as you do, but it is nice to sometimes remind them to do chores. I think I should continue to use it like you do. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have fallen off the chore wagon because life got so stressful. I ask them to help me with various household duties as they come up. As far as homework goes, we all sit at the kitchen table and work on homework. I read with the 2 younger kids and am also there available to help the older ones if needed. Not very organized but I actually enjoy that time together. One day I will be organized and the chore lists will come back.
ReplyDeleteWe use a white board with home schooling... they have their classes listed approximately how long they should have each class (which does vary from day to day sometimes) They also have listed what must be done before we start school (this came about after moving onto a farm an having animals to care for) Then they have their after school chores. Since we are usually done with school between 12:30 and 1:30 they still have time for any thing they want to do.
ReplyDeleteI also use the white board for scheduled activities, church, teen soul winning, Revivals, field trips ect....
All that to say I LOVE having a the white board.
Simple, but effective.
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