Hmmmm....we are really having trouble getting it all done with 5th grader...take a look pls

[...................]

My 10yo almost 11 yo dd is just not getting it all done...

 

she gets up around 7:30 and starts school at 8:30...(This includes at least 2 mornings a week where she has to eat her breakfast while starting school because she just can't get done her shower and breakfast in time.  She is a VERY slow eater.)

 

Then we start with Apples and Pears Spelling, and do BJU Grammar together, and Bible together and then she does math by herself and by then it is 10:30 and time for a break.  Math alone takes over an hour, and is becoming an increasing problem.  

 

Then she does piano by herself and that's about 45 minutes.  Then it's time for lunch which is 12pm, and then of course since she eats VERY slowly (it has nothing to do with dawdling, she just chews and eats very very slowly and always has) and now by the time lunch is over it's 1:00 ish or later.  Then, she still hasn't gotten to Science, History, Spanish, Handwriting...and by then I am pooped.  I am always a total wreck after lunch and very grumpy and tired.

 

So, we just are never getting to those things.  This week I tried to move History and Science to the morning to do it together, and this is not working either because now SHE is a tired wreck trying to get her schoolwork that used to be done in the morning, done.

 

We already have history and Science cut back to the VERY basics for her age group.  We can't cut it out all together.  Ideas?

[Ellie]

My 10yo almost 11 yo dd is just not getting it all done...

 

she gets up around 7:30 and starts school at 8:30...(This includes at least 2 mornings a week where she has to eat her breakfast while starting school because she just can't get done her shower and breakfast in time.  She is a VERY slow eater.)

 

Then we start with Apples and Pears Spelling, and do BJU Grammar together, and Bible together and then she does math by herself and by then it is 10:30 and time for a break.  Math alone takes over an hour, and is becoming an increasing problem.  

 

Then she does piano by herself and that's about 45 minutes.  Then it's time for lunch which is 12pm, and then of course since she eats VERY slowly (it has nothing to do with dawdling, she just chews and eats very very slowly and always has) and now by the time lunch is over it's 1:00 ish or later.  Then, she still hasn't gotten to Science, History, Spanish, Handwriting...and by then I am pooped.  I am always a total wreck after lunch and very grumpy and tired.

 

So, we just are never getting to those things.  This week I tried to move History and Science to the morning to do it together, and this is not working either because now SHE is a tired wreck trying to get her schoolwork that used to be done in the morning, done.

 

We already have history and Science cut back to the VERY basics for her age group.  We can't cut it out all together.  Ideas?

 

:grouphug:

 

Could she take her shower at night?

 

I would not have her do school work while she's eating breakfast. Yes, even though she's slow.

 

Couldn't she do piano in the afternoon? You could rest 'cuz you're grumpy and tired :-) while she practices all by her onesie.

 

Does she *really* need to be doing a formal penmanship? at her age?

 

Could you do something other than BJUP for grammar/comp? Or can't you teach and then give her the assignment and have her work independently? Surely you don't need to be right there with her the whole time?

 

Could you alternate history and science, as in one semester of each? I know you aren't getting to it, but if you think of it as not getting to just one of those instead of both, you might feel less frustrated.

[Melissa B]

Since she gets a break at 10:30, I would move lunch back to 1:00. From 10:50 - 1:00 I would do history, science and Spanish. Then she can do piano and handwriting on her own after lunch.

[kirstenhill]

It sounds like the two things she is doing in the afternoon that need you are history and science, right? I am tired after lunch too...I find it helps if I schedule In a break for me. I take half an hour to zone out on the Internet or to just sit and chill...maybe another cup of coffee. :-). Then we do double history on Monday/Wednesday and double science on Tuesday and Thursday or Friday. I think it seems less daunting to do two of the same subject than one each of two different ones. Maybe you could do your history or science together and then she could do her Spanish after that? Could you drop handwriting? I dropped it with my 5th grade DD this year and just encourage her to practice her cursive by using it when writing letters and other school subjects.

 

5th grade is seeming longer for us this year...DD is rarely done before 2:30 (including time for a chore and guitar practice).

[TracyP]

It looks like English, Bible, Math, and Spelling are done by 10:30. Then she plays piano for 45 min and takes a 45 min break. I would move piano (and handwriting, this is independent, right?) to the afternoon and cut the break down to 15 min. That gives you a bit over an hour to cover the subjects that you aren't getting to. If that isn't enough time, a loop schedule might work for those subjects so you get to 2 of them per day. After lunch *you* are done and she only has piano and handwriting to finish.

[Arcadia]

Maybe do piano and handwriting after lunch while you take a break. Do Spanish for the current piano slot. Do science or history after you are rested so maybe 3pm.

[...................]

Ok...I think we will try bumping piano to the afternoon.  This way something that is independent, she can do on her own.  Unfortunately she is tired of working/studying/sitting by then, but what can we do?  We will see if she wilts in the afternoon.  

 

Yeah, I feel kind of bad making her eat and start school at the same time but some mornings she is so slow getting up, getting showered and eating she wouldn't start till 9"30 and since I am up at 6am, or even 5:45, I am already fading away into my afternoon slump by 11.  We aren't exactly a matched pair that way.  So, I have to speed her up so she will have a happy mommy working with her!!

 

I did start putting her to bed earlier and setting an alarm so she will be up earlier, which helps A LOT.  

[sbgrace]

Our 5th grade has been a time problem too. Would math be quicker if you were with her? I have a slow eater too, and I often do school with him at breakfast as well. I just can't cut hours of prime learning time out for long meals. For him, that's math using the whiteboard. We do composition next. Those are our big time and energy sucks, so getting them done first helps me mentally.  Is the bible restorative to both of you? Could it be an end of the day thing, with just prayer to start the day? Can you alternate some of the other subjects every other day perhaps? If I get math and comp done with both kids before lunch, all I have left are easier and quicker to teach things (Apples and Pears, handwriting, grammar, logic, read alouds, other LA stuff). I do history or science, last, and only if I have the energy. This isn't anything close to every day. That is the best I can do right now.

[Arcadia]

My boys watch German cartoons while having their breakfast since my younger takes close to an hour eating. They also practice on Duolingo independently. So I do get to catch 40 winks.

 

I do have to help them for their German homework and that takes about 20mins of my time daily.

[momto2blessings]

Could any of her books be listened to(you reading or audio book) during meals?

[Soror]

I was thinking of moving the schedule like others suggested, putting piano in the afternoon. Another thought I had was a shower in the evening before bed to save time there as well. 

 

I like the kids to watch news at the beginning of breakfast (CNN Student News) and then I will do read alouds with them, you could get in some of your history, science and lit that way and she could still have time to eat. You could also do some before/during lunch.

 

I take a break in the afternoon with lunch and generally they watch some sort of history or science show (another way to sneak in some if your having a hard time getting it in) and usually after a break we're ready to do a bit more. Personally it works better for me to have 2 big blocks in the am for our skill work and we bookend our morning time with read-alouds. Afternoons are generally for extras, crafts, art, geo, poetry tea time, programmiing (atm!) etc. Nothing too formal or labor intensive but something we enjoy to do together so we look forward to it.

[texasmama]

My 10yo almost 11 yo dd is just not getting it all done...

 

she gets up around 7:30 and starts school at 8:30...(This includes at least 2 mornings a week where she has to eat her breakfast while starting school because she just can't get done her shower and breakfast in time.  She is a VERY slow eater.)

 

Then we start with Apples and Pears Spelling, and do BJU Grammar together, and Bible together and then she does math by herself and by then it is 10:30 and time for a break.  Math alone takes over an hour, and is becoming an increasing problem.  

 

Then she does piano by herself and that's about 45 minutes.  Then it's time for lunch which is 12pm, and then of course since she eats VERY slowly (it has nothing to do with dawdling, she just chews and eats very very slowly and always has) and now by the time lunch is over it's 1:00 ish or later.  Then, she still hasn't gotten to Science, History, Spanish, Handwriting...and by then I am pooped.  I am always a total wreck after lunch and very grumpy and tired.

 

So, we just are never getting to those things.  This week I tried to move History and Science to the morning to do it together, and this is not working either because now SHE is a tired wreck trying to get her schoolwork that used to be done in the morning, done.

 

We already have history and Science cut back to the VERY basics for her age group.  We can't cut it out all together.  Ideas?

Out of your entire post, this is what I focused on.  Why are you a total wreck after lunch and grumpy and tired?  I looked for a baby or toddler in your siggie to explain it and didn't see one.  IMO, if mom is grumpy and tired and a wreck after lunch, it will be hard for a kid that age to self-motivate through half of her subjects.  I would investigate the reasons for my own extreme tiredness and try to change that aspect. 

[Soror]

Out of your entire post, this is what I focused on.  Why are you a total wreck after lunch and grumpy and tired?  I looked for a baby or toddler in your siggie to explain it and didn't see one.  IMO, if mom is grumpy and tired and a wreck after lunch, it will be hard for a kid that age to self-motivate through half of her subjects.  I would investigate the reasons for my own extreme tiredness and try to change that aspect. 

You know that thought crossed my mind as well, I totally understand that feeling, for me it was pregnancy jacking my hormones and thyroid. 

[...................]

I've always been that way. Part of it is that I am up at 5:45 or so, so I feel a bit sleepy by that time. Part of it it my hypoglycemia/ metabolism. Part of it is that I am an introvert so after spending the entire morning with my kids, I'm popped. I revive around 3pm and have lots of energy to take them to swimming, do my own exercise, pick up their friends for swimming and then come home and make dinner. :)

[Chrysalis Academy]

I've always been that way. Part of it is that I am up at 5:45 or so, so I feel a bit sleepy by that time. Part of it it my hypoglycemia/ metabolism. Part of it is that I am an introvert so after spending the entire morning with my kids, I'm popped. I revive around 3pm and have lots of energy to take them to swimming, do my own exercise, pick up their friends for swimming and then come home and make dinner. :)

 

I can relate!

[EKS]

First of all--no breaks!  Get rid of the midmorning break.

 

I'd also get rid of Spanish and handwriting (unless she has a serious handwriting problem).

 

Then move whatever subjects you do with her to a time that works for you.

 

I'd also consider sitting with her for any subjects that drag (math?).

[sweetpea3829]

Keeping in mind that mine are 8 and under...

 

I alternate history and science.  We do history during the "inside" months...ie October through April.  And we do Science during the warmer months.  I tried doing both history and science concurrently, during our first year and it was a disaster.  

 

Not sure if that would work as they get older, however.  

 

Also...maybe I'm just weird but...I find my temperament is MUCH better when I save the hard/frustrating subjects for later in the day.  For instance...DD8 has a severe math LD and when I was doing her math with her in the AM, my mood would quickly deteriorate because the longer her lesson took, the longer it took me to get to everybody else's lessons.  The longer her lesson took, the more out of whack the rest of our daily schedule would become.

 

So now, I have her math scheduled for 3:30...lol.  Yes, I'm tired by then but, there's less stress on me to get the lesson done in a timely manner.  She can take as long as she needs because the only thing left on the schedule is dinner.  Plus, I'm more inclined to shelve it for another day if it's dragging, whereas in the morning, I always felt like we HAD to complete the lesson.  

 

So...the first lesson of the day is for DS, and its his math lesson.  Math with him is almost always fun because he just "gets" it.  

 

Then, I have Middle DS's math lesson, followed by Youngest DS' Kindergarten, Middle DS Language Arts...lunch, a half hour or so of quiet reading, Language Arts for the oldest two (they are combined for LA), checkup of Independent work, and then History with the oldest 3.  

 

After that, DD and I settle down and tackle her math.  

[MomOfABunch]

Could you alternate history and science, as in one semester of each? I know you aren't getting to it, but if you think of it as not getting to just one of those instead of both, you might feel less frustrated.

We are doing that this year. It has made a tremendous difference for me!

[Farrar]

I've always been that way. Part of it is that I am up at 5:45 or so, so I feel a bit sleepy by that time. Part of it it my hypoglycemia/ metabolism. Part of it is that I am an introvert so after spending the entire morning with my kids, I'm popped. I revive around 3pm and have lots of energy to take them to swimming, do my own exercise, pick up their friends for swimming and then come home and make dinner. :)

 

I also have an afternoon crash no matter when I get up and always have. So I totally relate. In fact, I really relate to nearly everything you wrote.

 

I also seem incapable of really motivating us for school past 2:00. My kids are slooooow a lot of the time. We're also struggling to get fifth grade done in ways that I can't quite pinpoint. I also don't really see a great solution. Argh. I wish I had better thoughts for you. All the vague thoughts I had were already covered like considering alternating science and history, looking into using videos and read alouds during meals, and cutting that morning break. But I could see that these might not really fix the problem as well.

 

For us, I'm feeling like we often start strong but then peak and slow waaaaaaay down and can't ever quite get finished. It's really frustrating to have to leave something unfinished nearly every day. I'm thinking of switching us to an actual schedule, which is just plain unheard of around here. We've always gone willy nilly through our list of stuff to do, but I've been wondering if blocking stuff out as a block of projects/read alouds, a block of math, a block of piano/spelling (alternating so I can work with each kid), and a block of writing time would make the most sense. Obviously that's a bit of a tangent, but I guess the thing I'm trying to say is that because what we're doing isn't working, instead of trying to tweak (or nag) us through it, I usually find shaking it up and doing a totally different system helps more. So maybe... do a different system altogether. What if you flipped your day upside down? Or what if you tried to work with her more on the things that are currently more independent and left her alone more on the things that are currently more with you? What if you put it more on her to get it done? I don't know that any of these are the answer, but I guess I'd try to think outside the box before you start cutting a lot of stuff.

[Soror]

I also have an afternoon crash no matter when I get up and always have. So I totally relate. In fact, I really relate to nearly everything you wrote.

 

I also seem incapable of really motivating us for school past 2:00. My kids are slooooow a lot of the time. We're also struggling to get fifth grade done in ways that I can't quite pinpoint. I also don't really see a great solution. Argh. I wish I had better thoughts for you. All the vague thoughts I had were already covered like considering alternating science and history, looking into using videos and read alouds during meals, and cutting that morning break. But I could see that these might not really fix the problem as well.

 

For us, I'm feeling like we often start strong but then peak and slow waaaaaaay down and can't ever quite get finished. It's really frustrating to have to leave something unfinished nearly every day. I'm thinking of switching us to an actual schedule, which is just plain unheard of around here. We've always gone willy nilly through our list of stuff to do, but I've been wondering if blocking stuff out as a block of projects/read alouds, a block of math, a block of piano/spelling (alternating so I can work with each kid), and a block of writing time would make the most sense.

I'm WAY more scheduled this year than I ever had and I fought it like crazy BUT after reading so many people recommend it for their ADHDers and really wanting to get more done I thought what the heck. And I'm still not crazy about the idea of a schedule but I love actually following a schedule. I still use the other "short cuts" as well though. But with all that I did also address my energy, which was no small part of it.

 

I still have in that afternoon break, which usually I just use as a brain break but sometimes I lay down as well. We're not generally fast here either. So, we're sometimes deep and sometimes wide, depending on my motivation and where were at. Right now our days are heavy with programming and we're going deep with math, light with lots of the rest and ds reading tons of books. I'm cheating with dd right now and am letting  audio books do some read alouds.

 

When I look at it all we're getting a good amount done and I do value free time and those extras, so sometimes I think it is our expectations that are what need to be adjusted.  

[BatmansWife]

My 10yo almost 11 yo dd is just not getting it all done...

 

she gets up around 7:30 and starts school at 8:30...(This includes at least 2 mornings a week where she has to eat her breakfast while starting school because she just can't get done her shower and breakfast in time.  She is a VERY slow eater.)

 

Then we start with Apples and Pears Spelling, and do BJU Grammar together, and Bible together and then she does math by herself and by then it is 10:30 and time for a break.  Math alone takes over an hour, and is becoming an increasing problem.  

 

Then she does piano by herself and that's about 45 minutes.  Then it's time for lunch which is 12pm, and then of course since she eats VERY slowly (it has nothing to do with dawdling, she just chews and eats very very slowly and always has) and now by the time lunch is over it's 1:00 ish or later.  Then, she still hasn't gotten to Science, History, Spanish, Handwriting...and by then I am pooped.  I am always a total wreck after lunch and very grumpy and tired.

 

So, we just are never getting to those things.  This week I tried to move History and Science to the morning to do it together, and this is not working either because now SHE is a tired wreck trying to get her schoolwork that used to be done in the morning, done.

 

We already have history and Science cut back to the VERY basics for her age group.  We can't cut it out all together.  Ideas?

 

Are you trying to do everything every day? This was a big eye-opener for me when we were new homeschoolers.  At first, I thought we had to do everything each day. Pick your most important things...like grammar, spelling, math, maybe Bible...and do those each day.  Schedule out the other things. How about piano 3 x's a week...do History on M, W, F...Science on T & Thurs. Handwriting on Friday (or skip it and just practice it in the other subjects). Maybe Spanish on the days she doesn't have piano.  This would bring it to 6 things to cover each day (if you keep handwriting than that would be 7 on Friday)...which would be a lot easier than 9 every day.  I also wouldn't have her do math alone...she's still young and you want to make sure she's really getting it...plus, it's taking her way to long to get it done by herself (I hate to say that, because I'm sure you are trying to free some time up for yourself).

 

 

[Farrar]

I'm WAY more scheduled this year than I ever had and I fought it like crazy BUT after reading so many people recommend it for their ADHDers and really wanting to get more done I thought what the heck. And I'm still not crazy about the idea of a schedule but I love actually following a schedule. I still use the other "short cuts" as well though. But with all that I did also address my energy, which was no small part of it.

 

I still have in that afternoon break, which usually I just use as a brain break but sometimes I lay down as well. We're not generally fast here either. So, we're sometimes deep and sometimes wide, depending on my motivation and where were at. Right now our days are heavy with programming and we're going deep with math, light with lots of the rest and ds reading tons of books. I'm cheating with dd right now and am letting  audio books do some read alouds.

 

When I look at it all we're getting a good amount done and I do value free time and those extras, so sometimes I think it is our expectations that are what need to be adjusted.  

 

I think there's a part of me that always wants the solution to be new systems. More schedule, less schedule, checklists, more independent work, whatever... Sometimes though, yeah, it's the expectations. But I also believe in doubling down and going deep. It's a tricky balance to make sure there's time for all of it. Oh, and the activities... Between this thread and the one about the crowded schedule I'm just feeling my life on here today, I guess.

[sweetpea3829]

I'm WAY more scheduled this year than I ever had and I fought it like crazy BUT after reading so many people recommend it for their ADHDers and really wanting to get more done I thought what the heck. And I'm still not crazy about the idea of a schedule but I love actually following a schedule. I still use the other "short cuts" as well though. But with all that I did also address my energy, which was no small part of it.

 

I still have in that afternoon break, which usually I just use as a brain break but sometimes I lay down as well. We're not generally fast here either. So, we're sometimes deep and sometimes wide, depending on my motivation and where were at. Right now our days are heavy with programming and we're going deep with math, light with lots of the rest and ds reading tons of books. I'm cheating with dd right now and am letting  audio books do some read alouds.

 

When I look at it all we're getting a good amount done and I do value free time and those extras, so sometimes I think it is our expectations that are what need to be adjusted.  

Us, too. But with all four finally schooling, I had to do something.  I'm not very good at just going willy nilly.  I tend to spend too much time on "free time" when I don't have a schedule to follow.  

[LMD]

I think there's a part of me that always wants the solution to be new systems. More schedule, less schedule, checklists, more independent work, whatever... Sometimes though, yeah, it's the expectations. But I also believe in doubling down and going deep. It's a tricky balance to make sure there's time for all of it. Oh, and the activities... Between this thread and the one about the crowded schedule I'm just feeling my life on here today, I guess.

I am right there with you atm.

[Clear Creek]

If math is taking so long, have you tried splitting it up into two sessions? Maybe have her work for 30 minutes in the morning (or do one page) and then move on to handwriting and Spanish and do the rest of her math after lunch? Sometimes it goes quicker for my kids if they know they only have a small amount to do at one time. Also, I only do Bible and history once per week for one good, focused session with my 5th grader. Science is twice per week on days that she doesn't have Bible or history. There is no way I could fit in all of those subjects every day without her breaking down.

[Cakes]

 

 

some mornings she is so slow getting up, getting showered and eating she wouldn't start till 9"30 and since I am up at 6am, or even 5:45, I am already fading away into my afternoon slump by 11.  We aren't exactly a matched pair that way.  So, I have to speed her up so she will have a happy mommy working with her!!

 

I did start putting her to bed earlier and setting an alarm so she will be up earlier, which helps A LOT.  

 

I think you should address why you are so tired in the afternoon? I am going to guess a diet that is perhaps too high in refined carbs (bagel, toast, cereal) and too low in protein and fat, or too much caffeine?

 

Can you consider if your breakfast/lunch habits may be triggering the tiredness that you are feeling? It just doesn't sound optimum.

[...................]

Nope, I eat a high protein complex carb diet. I Have exactly 3/4 cup coffee in the am. Some days are better than others of course but I think 60% of it is emotional. Being one on one with two kids for 7 hours is enough for me and my mind and body both just shut down. anyway I think I am going to switch piano, and alternate a few subjects even more and also figure something out with math. She doesn't need so much review and is starting yo hate the incessant drill In horizons so we might do better with cutting out some of the problems in Horizons and zaccaros on the side. Horizons is really beating dead horse at this point.

[Soror]

I think there's a part of me that always wants the solution to be new systems. More schedule, less schedule, checklists, more independent work, whatever... Sometimes though, yeah, it's the expectations. But I also believe in doubling down and going deep. It's a tricky balance to make sure there's time for all of it. Oh, and the activities... Between this thread and the one about the crowded schedule I'm just feeling my life on here today, I guess.

Ya, its the same with everything, figuring out the balance and what works for you.

 

Also, I have to say I just read your newest blog entry and my son is pretty slow as well, that certainly plays into as well. Either we take longer to go through things or we work longer. Couple that with with trying to fit in those activities that are worthwhile and well it can be a real challenge to prioritize.

[Farrar]

I think you should address why you are so tired in the afternoon? I am going to guess a diet that is perhaps too high in refined carbs (bagel, toast, cereal) and too low in protein and fat, or too much caffeine?

 

Can you consider if your breakfast/lunch habits may be triggering the tiredness that you are feeling? It just doesn't sound optimum.

 

Some people are just tired in the afternoon. When I lived in China, there was a two hour siesta in the middle of the day and everyone from kids to adults took a nap. I don't think it's just Calming Tea and me or really about diet... I think this is one of the natural rhythms of humanity, honestly.

[serendipitous journey]

Nope, I eat a high protein complex carb diet. I Have exactly 3/4 cup coffee in the am. Some days are better than others of course but I think 60% of it is emotional. Being one on one with two kids for 7 hours is enough for me and my mind and body both just shut down. anyway I think I am going to switch piano, and alternate a few subjects even more and also figure something out with math. She doesn't need so much review and is starting yo hate the incessant drill In horizons so we might do better with cutting out some of the problems in Horizons and zaccaros on the side. Horizons is really beating dead horse at this point.

 

I have a post-lunch, emotionally-drained, introvert-related energy slump too, even when I'm on my game with nutrition and sleep and exercise  :glare:  .  Glad to hear you are good with the protein, that can make a difference for sure ...  

 

I had two thoughts last night and thought I'd toss them out.  Okay, three thoughts. 

 

1.  Have you considered liquidizing one of the child's meals?  :)  This could be a TERRIBLE idea, I realize, but if she'd be up for a breakfast or lunch shake, or a pureed soup with crunchies sprinkled on top, this could really speed up some meals.  I am a pretty slow eater myself and this is what I do during crunch phases of my life. 

 

2.  Would a lunch-time content video be useful for her?  Science or history that she and her sister could both watch?  Maybe just a day or two a week even? This might add content + give you a chance to have lunch on your own somewhere. 

 

3.  Would a post-lunch nap or shower be useful for you?  Both of these sometimes help reset my head.  A bit at least.

 

[texasmama]

I think I misunderstood, thinking that Calming Tea was toast from 1 pm on, for the rest of the day.  I do agree that most people have an afternoon slump.  I'm having one right now.  But unless hyperbole is being used, I don't know that I think everyone is "a total wreck after lunch and very grumpy and tired".  I would describe myself as "not at my freshest after lunch and a bit tired". 

 

We do heavy academic work before lunch, and I work with my boys (8th graders) then because it takes more energy.  I work with dd on her writing and math after lunch because she is just in 3rd grade so her subjects require less energy from me.  My boys must do their math prior to lunch, as well, or we get into the category of the law of diminishing returns.

[Farrar]

I think I misunderstood, thinking that Calming Tea was toast from 1 pm on, for the rest of the day.  I do agree that most people have an afternoon slump.  I'm having one right now.  But unless hyperbole is being used, I don't know that I think everyone is "a total wreck after lunch and very grumpy and tired".  I would describe myself as "not at my freshest after lunch and a bit tired". 

 

We do heavy academic work before lunch, and I work with my boys (8th graders) then because it takes more energy.  I work with dd on her writing and math after lunch because she is just in 3rd grade so her subjects require less energy from me.  My boys must do their math prior to lunch, as well, or we get into the category of the law of diminishing returns.

 

Hm. I don't know about Calming Tea, but for me, I *am* a wreck from about 2-4ish. And then I perk back up. I really perk back up if I have a nap, but even if I don't, I'm usually fine again by 5 at the very latest. So it's still a slump. I just think of it as part of my daily rhythm and it has been so pretty much all my life - certainly since high school. Like right now there's zero reason for it, but I'm still sleepy.

[sweetpea3829]

Am I the only one that finds an afternoon nap makes things worse?  I almost always wake up with my heart racing, hands trembling, and a headache...and more grumpy than I was before.  

 

Doesn't matter if I get a 15 minute nap or an hour nap.  

[Farrar]

Am I the only one that finds an afternoon nap makes things worse?  I almost always wake up with my heart racing, hands trembling, and a headache...and more grumpy than I was before.  

 

Doesn't matter if I get a 15 minute nap or an hour nap.  

 

Only if I wake up suddenly. So I know if I have a time crunch it's a bad idea to take one. I also get the hiccups if I get up like that. It's something about interrupting a sleep cycle, I think.

[LMD]

i love the post lunch shower idea! Yes, I'm in camp 'wrecked slump' after lunch, especially if we've had a productive morning. My brain just runs out of steam. It's not running out of steam physically necessarily, it's a mental exhaustion.

[Bootsie]

she gets up around 7:30 and starts school at 8:30...

 

Then we start with Apples and Pears Spelling, and do BJU Grammar together, and Bible together and then she does math by herself and by then it is 10:30 and time for a break.  Math alone takes over an hour, and is becoming an increasing problem.  

 

Then she does piano by herself and that's about 45 minutes.  Then it's time for lunch which is 12pm, and then of course since she eats VERY slowly (it has nothing to do with dawdling, she just chews and eats very very slowly and always has) and now by the time lunch is over it's 1:00 ish or later.  Then, she still hasn't gotten to Science, History, Spanish, Handwriting...and by then I am pooped.  I am always a total wreck after lunch and very grumpy and tired.

Is she feeling an after lunch slump, too?  Or, is it mainly you?  Perhaps working on all items that need your assistance before lunch and let her do items that she can do by herself after lunch.

 

As it is now, it looks like you start at 8:30--spend an hour working with her on spelling, grammar, and Bible and then from 9:30-10:30 she is doing math on her own.  If she then takes a break and does piano for 45 minutes until 12:00, she is taking a 45 minute break.  Then you have lunch for an hour.  So, between 10:30 and 1:00 she is getting 45 minutes of piano in.  If she can do math and piano by herself and you are more energetic in the mornings, maybe it would help to move her independent work to the afternoon.  

 

I am not a music person--so others may disagree, but I think 45 minutes at a time every day sounds like a bit much for piano practice.  I would try breaking that up to 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon.  With a shorter break that would leave time for 15 minutes of handwriting and 30 minutes of Spanish in the mornings.  Then, I would alternate science and history in the aftenoons--or I would alternate several week long blocks at a time for the two.  

[madteaparty]

Some people are just tired in the afternoon. When I lived in China, there was a two hour siesta in the middle of the day and everyone from kids to adults took a nap. I don't think it's just Calming Tea and me or really about diet... I think this is one of the natural rhythms of humanity, honestly.

Yes this. I think it's a little ridiculous people are repeatedly chiming in with the tip that she shouldn't be tired, as if she is choosing this and it's such an abnormal thing.

OP, I only homeschool one, I do not wake at 545 on days I don't commute to work, and I take a nap everyday I homeschool. :) We are getting 5th grade done but not doing an excellent job on each subject. Some subjects are kind of second class citizens, we get to them, but we half-ass it a little. See for example my posts on "how much time for foreign languages" etc. He is maintaining a solid B in his online classes, and that's with our help. I guess we are embracing mediocrity? We do work a little on the weekends to help keep up. And his piano practice is more 5 minutes vs 45. I mean to speak to his teacher about that...

[...................]

haha MadTeaparty...well maybe we can sort of be a little mediocre too.  LOL...Loved your post.

 

I think I now have a better plan..although right now my poor girl is in bed with some nasty virus :closedeyes: , so Monday she gets a day off instead of a shiny new schedule! :laugh:

[texasmama]

I thought OP might have a physical problem like thyroid imbalance. I felt like a total wreck when my iron and B12 were low, and there were fixes for those things.

[Heathermomster]

Maybe reduce math down to 45 minutes max.  At that grade, we rotated science and history to something like 2 chapters of history and 1 chapter of science.  Penmanship could be practiced as she writes across history or science.  She could also get up 30 minutes earlier.  Music was always the last subject for us.  

[Arcadia]

I think I now have a better plan..although right now my poor girl is in bed with some nasty virus :closedeyes: , so Monday she gets a day off instead of a shiny new schedule! :laugh:

Does she like Spanish cartoons? When my boys are sleepy sick, I make them watch foreign language cartoons. Hope she gets better soon.

[kiwik]

Have you tried getting her up at 6.30. I know it is hard to change daily rhythms but I know from my own kids and myself a not naturally early riser can learn to get up early if there is a need.

[KeriJ]

This post was so helpful to me in understanding how some of us need quiet alone time after lunch most days.  She described me exactly.  It's not always about diet etc., sometimes it's how we're wired.

[...................]

Have you tried getting her up at 6.30. I know it is hard to change daily rhythms but I know from my own kids and myself a not naturally early riser can learn to get up early if there is a need.

She needs 11 sometimes even 12 hours of sleep...she goes to bed at 7:45 and gets up at 7:15 ish with her alarm.  If I were to have her wake up at 6:30, she would need to go to bed at 6:45...and I don't think that is realistic. Thanks for the idea anyway though.  Honestly, I don't know what she would do if she were in traditional school 5 days per week or if I worked a morning shift.  She'd be one of those kids plopping their face into their dinner plates at night.  LOL  

[...................]

This post was so helpful to me in understanding how some of us need quiet alone time after lunch most days.  She described me exactly.  It's not always about diet etc., sometimes it's how we're wired.

Wow I just thought I was weird.  No idea there was a whole segment of the population like me.  It's funny because there are just some people that overwhelm me and others that I can handle, still others that I can handle IF they are ok with me telling them, straight up, that I have had enough and need to be quiet and alone.  LOL (my husband being the latter)...

[kiwik]

She needs 11 sometimes even 12 hours of sleep...she goes to bed at 7:45 and gets up at 7:15 ish with her alarm. If I were to have her wake up at 6:30, she would need to go to bed at 6:45...and I don't think that is realistic. Thanks for the idea anyway though. Honestly, I don't know what she would do if she were in traditional school 5 days per week or if I worked a morning shift. She'd be one of those kids plopping their face into their dinner plates at night. LOL

My early riser goes to bed at 7 but he is 7 so a few years younger.

[*lifeoftheparty*]

Nope, I eat a high protein complex carb diet. I Have exactly 3/4 cup coffee in the am. Some days are better than others of course but I think 60% of it is emotional. Being one on one with two kids for 7 hours is enough for me and my mind and body both just shut down. anyway I think I am going to switch piano, and alternate a few subjects even more and also figure something out with math. She doesn't need so much review and is starting yo hate the incessant drill In horizons so we might do better with cutting out some of the problems in Horizons and zaccaros on the side. Horizons is really beating dead horse at this point.

 

We had the same problem!!

 

I *loved* Horizons Math when we first started... but eventually math was just taking *forever*, and he hated it.

 

We switched to Singpore Math and it's been smooth sailing ever since :)

 

When I talked to DS about what made the math hard, it boiled down to a) when he saw the pages with soooo many problems on them, he mentally just quit- he views the amount of problems to be so much that he just shut down and b) he would always devise different ways of coming to the answer, or writing the problem out and was irritated that he had to do it the exact way that the book told you too... he even hated the litt;e boxes they gave you for carrying the 1.

 

Since switching to Singapore, time on Math has reduced by half and there are no tears.

 

Just thought I would share :)

 

[warneral]

I can very much relate to this post too. I've made some changes recently. I switched from R&S grammar which took a lot of time and energy. Now we are doing analytical grammar junior mechanics and then will do AG. The lessons are short, to the point, and we don't have to repeat the same work year after year. Just occasional review after they master the material.

 

I agree to move around the schedule so that you don't feel like you are waiting for her all day. That's not good for either if you. I also do history, science and writing at the end of the day and those are the most mom-intensive. I tend to only allow a mid morning break if we were efficiently using our time that day. Dragging feet during math, vocab, etc means no time for a break. I look forward to reading this thread more closely!

[Chrysalis Academy]

She needs 11 sometimes even 12 hours of sleep...she goes to bed at 7:45 and gets up at 7:15 ish with her alarm.  If I were to have her wake up at 6:30, she would need to go to bed at 6:45...and I don't think that is realistic. Thanks for the idea anyway though.  Honestly, I don't know what she would do if she were in traditional school 5 days per week or if I worked a morning shift.  She'd be one of those kids plopping their face into their dinner plates at night.  LOL  

 

I have one like that.  She sleeps 9-9 if I let her.  My younger is totally different - fine with staying up late and getting up early.  One is like me, one is like dh.  I think you have to work with what you got.  It's also one of things about homeschooling I'm most grateful for, being able to work with their natural rhythms.

[Elisabet1]

I would not do science and history each day. Other than that, your day does not seem bad at all. Most schools will alternate between science and history though.

 

Also, I would start sending her to bed later. Some kids just will sleep as long as they can, not because they need it. Still sleeping does not mean there is a need, anymore than still eating does not mean they still needed more food. And excess sleep can make someone feel more tired, so that could be part of the problem.