School at Monarch Prep is officially in session and the first day was....well.....
We started off the day by reviewing the meaning of our school name and verse.
I let the kids come up with some rules...here are a few of my favorites
No wondering eyes
No drawing on yourself
If you have to pass gas, say excuse me
and my favorite.....
No being distracted by Rhylee's cheeks
(I totally understand why this one made the list)
We got off to a great start and my confidence was high.....that was short lived. I was so thankful for the encouraging messages and calls I received this morning from my mom and friends, they were much needed and appreciated.
Only one subject on the calendar for today: Bible. The story: Creation. Easy enough, right?
I printed off my material, had three concordances handy and two computers for the kids to follow along with the lesson online.
I soon realized that I only printed half the lesson, then the computers starting acting up and we were unable to use them to watch the videos, Rhylee was not cooperating and I could see the kids loosing focus and then began the spiral....grrrrrrr
But I was so prepared, I had my notes and papers all organized in a cute new folder that my in-laws bought. I had read the lesson and even had a fun activity planned in lieu of answering questions. I prayed that morning for patience with my new students and myself.
So what happened?
Life
Like everything else, the way I approached homeschooling was all wrong.
I put too much confidence in MY ability.
My focus was on how great a first day I could create.
On what a great teacher I was going to be.
We wrapped up the first day, I finished my chores and started dinner. Then Jarrod came home...poor Jarrod.
Cue the water works.
Is it normal to cry on your first day of school when you're the teacher?
I sure hope so.
After a wonderful foot massage and some encouraging words I looked back at the pictures I took today and ya know what....our day wasn't that bad.
The kids had two assignments today, write a short essay about their feelings about being homeschooled and come up with a creative way to teach someone about the story of Creation.
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| Trevor's Creation Storybook |
Trevor's book was great...it walked you through each day adding to the picture until it was complete. He even made up a song to go with it!
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| Mackenzie's Creation Diorama |
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| Rhylee trying to help out by feeding herself (: |
That sounds like a pretty perfect first day of homeschooling! Know why? Most of us try the "perfect" and "WE got this" route for a year or two before we chill out and let God teach us. I am very proud of you!! Please CALL ME if you ever need a mid-day pep talk. 9194533396 :o)
ReplyDeleteSO proud of you!!!!
~Angela
Bible on the first day and everything tying to that is a good day :) I find things go exactly as planned about 10% of the time, but the rest of the time it works out with anywhere from minor schedule changes to making up activities/subjects at other times. Praying for your 2nd day - today is our 1st day of 1st grade!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela....I've just added your number. Maybe we could meet up for a first week review (:
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks Jennifer, it's encouraging to know that everyone has less than perfect days (:
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it was an awesome day!! I'm in awe of the godly woman you are (and are continuing to become). You are an inspiration to me. This was a much needed encouragement to keep my focus on God and not on me as we are supposed to start school next Monday. Love you, friend!
ReplyDeleteCrying on the first day of school when you are a teacher sounds pretty normal to me! :)
ReplyDelete