Where’s the Reading Fairy??

Today started off well. The kids enjoy almost everything I throw at them, granted it has taken me a couple of years to figure out what works for them and what doesn’t. They love science, math is still fun and K’s phonics program still is “cool” in his opinion. But today I found myself becoming frustrated with K and his reading progress, C was already reading by his age and although I know each child is different I do find myself wanting him to “get it” already.  K is a very sensitive child, so when it comes to being strict with his reading, I tend to wimp out. He is able to read his level 1 readers and stumbles a bit with level 2’s, but I do see that he is well on his way to being a fluent reader IF I don’t lose my patience. What I think my problem is is that he is involved in other activities where most of the children his age are already reading fluently and probably at least at a 2nd grade level. And now that mommy syndrome of comparing my children is in the mix. I know if he was enrolled in “school” he would be reading as well as his sister did at his age. Or if I cracked the whip and made him sit for 45 minutes he’ll be up to par with his peers. I recall getting his sister to learn to read was a nightmare. She hated the mundane and repetitive assignments, and the homework would make her cry almost everynight. I really want him to be willing, and dare I say happy to do his assignments and LOVE reading. I don’t want him to come over to the sofa with a negative attitude about having to read. BUT, I also don’t want him to feel like there’s something “wrong” with him not being able to read text smaller than a 16pt. font. When he sees large print he will attempt to read it, but average print size he considers “too hard” for him.

So here I am awake at 2:15 a.m. wrestling with the mommy demons. Do I crack down, so he can be just like the other kids his age…or do I let it happen naturally (of course with guidance and continued work)? I’ve read every article with every pro and con to the subject. None of them being of any use when you’re in the thick of it. What’s ironic is that it was always such a simple task getting former students to read. Whether the curriculum’s method turned them into true readers, I have no idea. I will stay up for a half hour more printing out some more “fun” phonics games and we’ll see if they are a big hit tomorrow. WooHoo. Did I mention he hates practicing his handwriting?? Oy, that issue is for another day! 🙂

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WOW! How time has flown by!!!!

Apparently I haven’t blogged in over 2 years. I decided to visit this old page due to my kids new involvement in blogging. A friend also suggested that I should blog, and I recalled my defunct page. So here I was, scrolling through old photos and posts becoming ever-so-aware, that my babies have done a lot of growing, maturing and learning. The same families we hung out with before, still have a very strong presence in our lives, and have now metamorphosed into true friendships. Friendships of which, have been greatly needed at moments when I thought about giving up this life.  They’ve kept me strong and laughing and focused on our education.

C is now in “4th” grade and K is in “1st.”  I recently administered a standardized test for C, and she (thankfully) did very well.

K is showing more confidence with his reading, and makes attempts to read his encyclopedias on his own.

We are now using a hodge podge of books and websites for their academics. I am still an eclectic homeschooler but now with a dash of Unschooling 🙂 We have “formal” lessons, only because the children LIKE to have some traditional experiences. If something is not being enjoyed, it gets “cut” from the schedule or we find a better way to work it in.

We are heavily educated by our group activities, trips and everyday life. The little guy now has learned many multiplication facts and most importantly knows what multiplication means. He can even tell you the square root of numbers up to 144!

My girl now shows a great interest in history and geography via, her love of mythical creatures. She continues to paint and draw her little heart out and does have a passion for it (I think).

I, in turn, have learned how to take their interests and turn it into an adventure in learning. I have also been taught that children are capable of making their own educational choices if we just listen.

All of what we have learned, is due to the amazing friendships we have developed. Our homeschool community is the backbone of our lives.

I am not sure if I will continue to post, maybe my children’s blogging fever will take control of me. We will see 🙂

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