maize Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I'm think I need some external motivation to get school rolling this year. We don't usually take a summer break because I have a terrible time building up momentum and getting routines back in place after a long break. This summer though I had awful morning sickness and just wasn't able to keep school going. So now I've got unmotivated kids and an unmotivated mom and we really do need to get school up and running again. Does anyone else feel like some accountability partners would be helpful? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawlas Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I was thinking I'd love one - especially to get all the little extras started! I'm always so determined to do nature walks cause I'm *sure* we'd all love them and we live in the middle of no where and there's wildlife literally everywhere! And yet I have yet to go on one deliberate nature walk! When do you start, officially? What were you thinking, weekly check in? Daily? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I hear you about the routines being disrupted. We took summer break, and in the middle of that, the money I had purposed to set aside for books got spent because things came up. Then the kitchen flooded, and had to be ripped out. My teaching space is the kitchen/dining room area, so that was all torn apart, and it still isn't all together yet, although I can actually cook now. My books are almost all ordered...I'm teaching with what I have and what I can find instead of getting to start new things. Thank goodness for the library and the used book store! But boy....routines all went to the hot place and I'm having a hard time reinstating them. On the other hand, some routines are being developed as a result that I'm anxious to continue. For the past few weeks, my boys have started their school morning after chores by sitting down and working on their stories. They write--on their own, no prompting, and are actually beginning to look things up! for spelling, and for research. They are illustrating those stories, and when they get done writing, most of the time they go straight to reading on topics that interest them. And, yeah, they do read a lot of Calvin and Hobbes. :laugh: In the afternoon, so that I can paint, cut trim, scrape old paint and try to finish the kitchen, we've taken to watching a lot of videos on a topic--last week it was Ancient Egypt. We've learned a great deal, which is making me really want to incorporate a bit more video into our weekly work. So--I guess the silver lining is that altered routines sometimes offer and opportunity for a reset that can be refreshing. Not about accountability, but just some encouragement! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I probably need some accountability. :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawlas Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Just wanted to add that I'm currently working through Wheelock's Latin and Don Quixote. I found groups for both and it's amazing how motivating it is to have some accountability - even from strangers whom you will never meet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I always thought it would be neat for people without blogs to have a daily or weekly report/accountability thread. I haven't seen the bloggers' weekly report thread lately, but I do remember thinking it was a neat incentive to stay on track, a venue to brag on kids occasionally, or give yourself a little nudge to get it in gear... Kind of like Jean's tackle threads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 It is an interesting idea. I'd add that it would also be a good place to encourage each other...sometimes getting it in gear comes up against life. One thing I have always found a little hard about accountability threads is that they play to my need to compete. I got out of the exercise thread because I found myself wanting to do a little better so that I could brag on myself a bit... I decided that wasn't a good thing for me, and could hurt others. Not exactly proud of that, but it's a part of me that sure doesn't need to get activated if I can help it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 It is an interesting idea. I'd add that it would also be a good place to encourage each other...sometimes getting it in gear comes up against life. One thing I have always found a little hard about accountability threads is that they play to my need to compete. I got out of the exercise thread because I found myself wanting to do a little better so that I could brag on myself a bit... I decided that wasn't a good thing for me, and could hurt others. Not exactly proud of that, but it's a part of me that sure doesn't need to get activated if I can help it! Yeah, I would probably be really annoying in these threads, come to think of it, precisely because they would be so effective for me, making me goal-oriented and cheerful. If we had a What Did You Totally Screw Up or Evade Today thread, I would probably rock that one in a similar manner though... Not sure what that says about me. :lol: Maybe an accountability thread that includes a Best Part of Your Day and What Needs Work? Just to keep it real? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted August 28, 2014 Author Share Posted August 28, 2014 Yeah, I would probably be really annoying in these threads, come to think of it, precisely because they would be so effective for me, making me goal-oriented and cheerful. If we had a What Did You Totally Screw Up or Evade Today thread, I would probably rock that one in a similar manner though... Not sure what that says about me. :lol: Maybe an accountability thread that includes a Best Part of Your Day and What Needs Work? Just to keep it real? I like the dual focus idea. Would we start a new thread every day? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I like the dual focus idea. Would we start a new thread every day? Daily or weekly? I could see benefits both ways. My only issue with daily is that I have been reducing my board time during school hours, and I fear daily threads would encourage me to focus more on posting here than might be ideal. Also, I would want to peek at everyone else's posts. :tongue_smilie: I have Self Control* though, so I could do daily if that is majority preference. *totally artificial, but works either way! :lol: http://selfcontrolapp.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I'd be interested. We don't normally take a summer break but we had so many things this summer (people visiting from abroad for a long time, in-laws moving their spring visit to summer due to illness, Ramadan, 2 trips, etc) that we didn't have consistent time to work, although we did do some. For the first time ever, I feel like we're "starting school" after summer. I spent about 2 hours last night doing some planning. My original start date was the day after Labor Day, but I'm thinking a soft start next week. I'm planning 1/2 days next week as a ramp-up, which should also give me time to finish my planning. Also, some of the things I want to use haven't arrived yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Weekly. Daily would be too much for me to keep up with. And I'd love to be part of the "Needs Work" focus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gentlemommy Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I'd love to participate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted August 28, 2014 Author Share Posted August 28, 2014 Daily or weekly? I could see benefits both ways. My only issue with daily is that I have been reducing my board time during school hours, and I fear daily threads would encourage me to focus more on posting here than might be ideal. Also, I would want to peek at everyone else's posts. :tongue_smilie: I have Self Control* though, so I could do daily if that is majority preference. *totally artificial, but works either way! :lol: http://selfcontrolapp.com How about we start a thread weekly, and people can report in daily, weekly, or every few days as they choose. I may need to report daily for awhile to get myself on track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Sounds good to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjffkj Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 How about we start a thread weekly, and people can report in daily, weekly, or every few days as they choose. I may need to report daily for awhile to get myself on track. I love this idea!! I'm definitely in. We started school this week but I certainly need the motivation to continue! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guilfordlake Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Yes, please! I really need some outside accountability because self-motivation is not working right now. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hypatia. Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I need some accountability too! I'm interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 How about we start a thread weekly, and people can report in daily, weekly, or every few days as they choose. I may need to report daily for awhile to get myself on track. I think that is perfect! I may need to report by the quarter hour! ;) We had a GREAT start, then a ?????!!!!! week, followed by doldrums and migraines. We need a reboot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I'd like to play (says the person who did not do science or history this week...). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 Well, I'm going to say that we had an awesome week--uh, doing a little itty bit of school and a lot of painting, woodworking, cleaning, cooking and acquiring new pains in muscles I forgot I had. Seriously, who knew painting a six foot cabinet that you have just wrestled into submission could be a full body workout? I'm completely done in. And I have to work tomorrow, and Saturday. But---the boys have done some math, got a refresher on borrowing and carrying and watching our signs. We've been hitting history via videos about Egypt and science has been the eruption of Krakatoa, also video. Reading has been library books, and one child has taken to reading chapters of Holes to his grandmother on the day I had to work. His own idea. Both have been busy with their own fictional stories, and we've had plenty of opportunity to discuss spelling, some grammar and even a brief discussion of how to search an encyclopedia for information for those stories. (Also known as my time to rub it in..."You just thought that all that stuff about looking things up in alphabetical order wasn't important--how do you like me now, kid?!") We've played with clay. Painted. I've read aloud to them the state history, we've covered some civics, and read Journey to the Center of the Earth. We've discussed the use of the flashback in fiction and how not to overdo it. It's been productive--but really, I couldn't say I've done a lick of school this week. But I've learned a few things that I can work on based on what I've heard in their writing, and I think my choice to go with CLE is a good one based on how much they needed refreshing on this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted August 29, 2014 Author Share Posted August 29, 2014 Umm, dd11 did math on Monday... That's about all I have to report for academics this week. I'm trying to get things better organized to start real school next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I worked on our lit program, added the books I could find to our library account, and finished putting the rest of books in my Amazon cart today, although I haven't pulled the trigger. I checked to make sure the technical aspects of our online class are in order. I'm excited because our OUP Ancient Times Set arrived and I'm going to open it after everyone's done with dinner. The teaching and student guides are still on the way, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I'm in, although I may forget. :) We are theoretically supposed to start on Monday now. Do we need to do a new thread each week so it doesn't get too long? Like Jean's Daily encouragement threads? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted August 29, 2014 Author Share Posted August 29, 2014 I'm in, although I may forget. :) We are theoretically supposed to start on Monday now. Do we need to do a new thread each week so it doesn't get too long? Like Jean's Daily encouragement threads? Yes, I think a new thread each week should work well. I could probably post the threads each Sunday, but if I forget hopefully someone else will go ahead and start one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irol Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I'm only a lurker here, but that's definitely something I'd love to participate in! This is the first summer we've ever taken off from school work because of a hard pregnancy and delivery. I haven't even begun planning yet and we're supposed to start next week. :willy_nilly: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama25angels Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I want to join!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walking-Iris Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I'm trying to reduce my forum time actually,but I may participate a bit here. We've started school sl o o o w ly the last two weeks.This week of Sept 1st feels real!!! :willy_nilly: My oldest ds is doing well. I think there were only 2 days he didn't work in his math book. He's really starting to come along with fractions and division--his nemesis. We finished the 1st chapter in Human Odyssey. I'd like to have him outline/write from K12HO a bit, but I'm having a hard time working that in. Might go in search of some teacher lesson plans for this text...links would be helpful. He likes Lively Latin---so far. Need to really get into a more regular routine with that. My 7 year old is CRAZY!!!! Um...yeah. I'll do my best to homeschool him this year. :huh: He invented some things, learned a new magic trick,watched a Shark Week episode...um, yeah. I actually sat down and reworked my routine/schedule ideas for the year....again! Three kiddos needing me,three different stages...I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed already!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gentlemommy Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 This week went decently. We got school done 4/5 days, so I'm calling that a success. Our main issue is that we are SO busy, if I don't optimize the short amount of time I've slotted for seat work, nothing gets done. So far, we have managed to get most things done on time...it's week 3 for us, and we are on lesson 3 of writing and spelling, and on page 15 of BA (we only do BA 3x per week, so this is on track for us, not for the normal speed of the BA curriculum). We've read 3 chapters of history per week, and ten pages of our science, which is what our coop requires. I think it's going well for now, because it's hot and no one wants to play outside. When it cools off, it's gonna be harder to keep them indoors... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 ... Maybe an accountability thread that includes a Best Part of Your Day and What Needs Work? Just to keep it real? This sounds great to me. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I'm only a lurker here, but that's definitely something I'd love to participate in! This is the first summer we've ever taken off from school work because of a hard pregnancy and delivery. I haven't even begun planning yet and we're supposed to start next week. :willy_nilly: Welcome, irol! This is the first of your posts I have seen, so I wanted to say hi! How do you pronounce your username? I'm saying it like "eyeroll" and picturing this: :rolleyes: but I'm probably wrong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I only have one ds and he's doing high school. Can I still join? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 :thumbup1: Yeah, Cat wants to join! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy M Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 Can I just pitch in the thought that it would be great if y'all would comment your weekly reports in with the bloggers' thread? We already have one non blogger lady who has commented the last few weeks just for accountability, and I think it's great and makes it so much more fun and real. When I started my blog, it was for a few reasons, one of them being accountability to do e fun stuff and needful stuff in homeschooling. That's why I still write and submit my weekly report here; but at the time there was no accountability group for non bloggers. So what I'm saying is that I would love to be a part, but I already do the blogging one. Can't we just combine the threads? Is there any reason not to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songsparrow Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 Can I just pitch in the thought that it would be great if y'all would comment your weekly reports in with the bloggers' thread? Where can I find this thread? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 Can I just pitch in the thought that it would be great if y'all would comment your weekly reports in with the bloggers' thread? We already have one non blogger lady who has commented the last few weeks just for accountability, and I think it's great and makes it so much more fun and real. When I started my blog, it was for a few reasons, one of them being accountability to do e fun stuff and needful stuff in homeschooling. That's why I still write and submit my weekly report here; but at the time there was no accountability group for non bloggers. So what I'm saying is that I would love to be a part, but I already do the blogging one. Can't we just combine the threads? Is there any reason not to? But then I'll get all inspired and want to start my own blog, and the whole "accountability" thing will fly right out the window! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 :thumbup1: Yeah, Cat wants to join! :) OK, I'm in!!!!! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted August 29, 2014 Author Share Posted August 29, 2014 I am afraid joining the bloggers thread would make me feel guilty about my long-neglected blog... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irol Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 Welcome, irol! This is the first of your posts I have seen, so I wanted to say hi! How do you pronounce your username? I'm saying it like "eyeroll" and picturing this: :rolleyes: but I'm probably wrong! Thanks for the welcome. I hadn't actually thought about how to pronounce it! It's my name, Lori, backwards. So I guess it'd be pronounced "e-roll" which just doesn't have the same ring to it. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMD Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 :seeya: I'm in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted August 29, 2014 Author Share Posted August 29, 2014 Thanks for the welcome. I hadn't actually thought about how to pronounce it! It's my name, Lori, backwards. So I guess it'd be pronounced "e-roll" which just doesn't have the same ring to it. :tongue_smilie: I figured it was pronounced "Lori" :) my name doesn't come out at all nicely backwards... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I am afraid joining the bloggers thread would make me feel guilty about my long-neglected blog... Please don't remind me... :coolgleamA: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 OK, I'm in. We usually school year round, but took off time this summer when we started to bog down and burn out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascadia Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 I'm in - and I am OK with either joining the existing blogger threads or starting our own. I don't have a blog, and I don't think that I would feel guilty about not having one. I'm sure that if I tried to start one that I probably wouldn't get more than two entries completed before abandoning it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 I love the idea of a place to check in and share the week/day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 I don't blog. I figure it would end up sort of like my gardens currently, and that would be grossly neglected. Better luck getting those under control next year--one of my goals. Today-no school for the boys. Our week is weird because of my work schedule. Got a new book in yesterday that is really interesting, which I'd love to sit down and read this weekend. Only that won't work, because there is a whole pile of baseboard just waiting for me. Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boscopup Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 I'm in! Like Maize, I've been dealing with the first trimester, so school kind of went to the wayside. I am finally in the second trimester and getting some energy back. I just need to get us organized again. When we did school the last several weeks, it was on the couch, and school books were left on the coffee table, a chair, and often on the floor. We had one week that we couldn't find my 5 year old's math workbook, and he really wanted to do math! Then another day we tried to do school, but we could only find one pencil. So they took turns doing one subject each, and then I was "done". So today, I intend to gather their books and put them in individual bins to move around. That way, if we school on the couch, they can keep their books together and return them to the school room. Or we could school in the school room like normal. ;) The school room has a bench for me to sit on, but no chair with a back. I've made some curriculum changes, so I need to make a new routine. I also want to get science and history back in the schedule. We've done week 1 of history, and two lessons of science... since mid-June. September 1 restart, here I come! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 I'm in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrousel Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 I don't blog. I figure it would end up sort of like my gardens currently, and that would be grossly neglected. Better luck getting those under control next year--one of my goals. Today-no school for the boys. Our week is weird because of my work schedule. Got a new book in yesterday that is really interesting, which I'd love to sit down and read this weekend. Only that won't work, because there is a whole pile of baseboard just waiting for me. Sigh. Baseboards are my procrastinating cleaning, if I have another task I'm dreading, then the baseboards absolutely must all be cleaned by hand first! I'd like to participate in an accountability group, but don't need the temptation to take on a blogging project that I'll never keep up with! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fruitofthewomb Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 We had one week that we couldn't find my 5 year old's math workbook, and he really wanted to do math! Then another day we tried to do school, but we could only find one pencil. So they took turns doing one subject each, and then I was "done". /quote] I am glad I am not the only now that this happens to!! I need the accountability as well. I am more of a lurker but I will try to post weekly. I have 5 girls-2 school age-3rd & k'ish. We have been back to school for 2 weeks. I did school 4/5 days each week. I started a heavily modified version of 'morning basket' and we are mostly enjoying this. To improve: I have a 3, 2, and 6 mo old to deal with & it feels very chaotic. I am hoping to bring some more order to the days. It is very hot here so going outside has been limited. We also had stomach bug which made things kinda crazy. I need to lengthen the amount of time spent on each subject (we are only doing 3 Rs outside of morning basket). I hung up a world map & state map but haven't been using it like I wanted to. I think of it while I am reading (I should show them where Wisconsin is I think to myself while reading little house on tr prairie but then I forget). I need to stop & deal with character issues when they happen instead of trying to push through so I can finish the chapter. I guess that is enough to improve on for now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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