Demoralized...Pinterest's fault??

[scootiepie]

First time posting here. I'm into my second year of homeschooling, and have a first grade boy (plus a preschooler I'm not doing anything with).

 

My problem is not knowing what is normal. My son is bright and has picked up just about everything I've presented to him. I am primarily focusing on math and language arts. I wish I were doing more in other subjects but I'm so worried about overlooking the basics, we are just parked here for the moment. I'm mainly using Math Mammoth, FLL, and Ordinary Parents guide to teaching reading as our spine.

 

I find myself on Pinterest and gravitating to the first grade blogs. When these blogger-teachers post their kids' work, it looks like light-years beyond what we are doing, especially with the writing and range of topics they are covering. I just don't know what to make of this. It makes all these kids look like geniuses compared to my son! So I find myself demoralized and wondering if I'm doing enough.

 

I know I just need to stay off pinterest and stay the course! But I don't want my son behind. Life could change in a moment and I may not always have the luxury to homeschool. But I'm wondering if getting a peek into these classrooms means I need to change things up a bit. I just don't know!

[speedmom4]

I have been homeschooling for 13 years. A very important lesson I have learned is not to compare my kids/homeschool to anyone else. On websites like Pinterest or homeschooling blogs people are usually only showing the great parts of their day.

 

Now if you would like to add in some history or art projects do that but not because some blog made you feel inadequate.

 

God Bless,

Elise in NC

[laughing lioness]

I have been homeschooling for 13 years. A very important lesson I have learned is not to compare my kids/homeschool to anyone else. On websites like Pinterest or homeschooling blogs people are usually only showing the great parts of their day.

 

Now if you would like to add in some history or art projects do that but not because some blog made you feel inadequate.

 

God Bless,

Elise in NC

:iagree:

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

I only blog when we have a particularly good day. LOL!

 

I think the basics are fine. If you want to easily add in a few things, you can do what we do, which is to listen to the Story of the World Audio CDs and do a few activities, and we do art once a week. Our science is usually read-alouds. It doesn't have to be a curriculum, it can also just be exposure.

 

At any rate, this is our first official year too, and we just add in little by little. I try to make sure we cover math, reading, and handwriting every day. Everything else is a "bonus".

[stripe]

Stay. Off. Pinterest and blogs!

 

My house doesn't look like theirs, and neither do my meals. I don't have neat laminated items for every subject and a classroom that looks like an exclusive private school.

 

Unplug!

[mama25angels]

I have been homeschooling for 13 years. A very important lesson I have learned is not to compare my kids/homeschool to anyone else. On websites like Pinterest or homeschooling blogs people are usually only showing the great parts of their day.

 

Now if you would like to add in some history or art projects do that but not because some blog made you feel inadequate.

 

God Bless,

Elise in NC

 

:iagree::grouphug:

[mhaddon]

I feel this way a lot too! I need to start a blog where I can see pictures of all the neat things we do accomplish as a personal reminder. Also, many of the teachers with amazing blogs are younger teacher's without children ;)

[mama25angels]

Stay. Off. Pinterest and blogs!

 

My house doesn't look like theirs, and neither do my meals. I don't have neat laminated items for every subject and a classroom that looks like an exclusive private school.

 

Unplug!

 

:iagree:

[MeganW]

Spend more time on Pinstrosity (Pinterest attempts that didn't work). :)

[sbgrace]

Giving him solid basics, and you've picked very good and proven curriculum for those basics, is the important thing. PS kids do write more at younger ages than the average homeschool kid. If you're following WTM recommendations you are taking a different scope/sequence. SWB has a great audio lecture about her approach. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/elementary-grades-mp3.html Maybe it would help remind you that you're taking a different track but possibly a superior one.

 

If, instead, you want to try a more PS approach to writing you could do that. There are materials available (Write Source for example or even the Evan Moore material) If you want school like fun ideas to incorporate something like The Mailbox magazines (my library had them) could help you do that easily. Instead I would stay on the track you've selected unless/until it's not working for you or him.

 

If it's just that you'd like to add something fun there are relatively easy ways to do that too.

 

Whatever you do it doesn't sound like it's healthy for you to compare. Have confidence in the path you've selected and I do think you need to stay off the Pinterest!

[Dmmetler]

I'd also point out that on teacher's sites, especially, you really don't know who did the project. Apparently a common project in 2nd grade around here is to have the kids create a biome and the creatures that live in there. Which would be great-except that I sat at dance with three moms discussing what THEY were doing for their DD's projects-and how they were going to save them for their next DC so they didn't have to do them again.

 

I'm guessing that if the teachers posted pinterest pages of "The wonderful work my 2nd graders did", a HS'd 2nd graders project that they did on their own would look pretty inferior. As would a PS 2nd grader's who did their work on their own, for that matter.

 

The same happens in homeschool co-ops. I teach a Latin class, and since we had a session scheduled on Halloween, I gave my kids an optional assignment of decorating a pumpkin for a figure in Roman History/Mythology and presenting it. I had a HIGH SCHOOL student tell us point-blank that her mother had done the pumpkin for her because "I draw like a 6 yr old".

In the same class, I had a 3 yr old sibling who brought in his (paper cut out, but he drew it himself) pumpkin, and told me it was "Mawth...!-He wike to fight and hath a wed pwanet"

[LaughingCat]

Spend more time on Pinstrosity (Pinterest attempts that didn't work). :)

 

 

OMG! That is one hilarious blog! :lol:

[Farrar]

I feel this way a lot too! I need to start a blog where I can see pictures of all the neat things we do accomplish as a personal reminder. Also, many of the teachers with amazing blogs are younger teacher's without children ;)

 

I actually think this works really well. Every kid has at least a copy work that looks great or a project or a math drill that was all correct or something once or twice a month and highlighting it - whether on a blog or hanging it up or whatever helps us all stay encouraged and proud.

[mhaddon]

On the other side, some moms do more in some areas than others. To say all homeschool moms have dirty houses, thrown together meals, etc. is also going the other direction. For the most part I keep my home clean and plan meals ahead that are healthy and not out of a box ;) I also have a husband that works 80 hour weeks and weekends and we farm. But, I don't have much time to sit and do nothing (unless the kids are outside playing). Usually my house is dirties on the days my husband, my biggest kid, is home :lol:

[JudoMom]

I actually think this works really well. Every kid has at least a copy work that looks great or a project or a math drill that was all correct or something once or twice a month and highlighting it - whether on a blog or hanging it up or whatever helps us all stay encouraged and proud.

 

:iagree:

 

I've done a few weeks in review. All I tend to see is the stuff that doesn't get crossed off the weekly plan. But writing out what we've done makes me see the big picture.

[roanna]

I had to look at that pintrosity site and I happened to be drinking my coffee and it nearly came out my nose and mouth at the same time. What good therapy places like those are! That cake monkey is hilarious.

[myfatherslily]

I was just telling someone that I have stayed away from Pinterest because I don't need more things to feel badly about not doing!! I have a long enough list already!

 

And welcome to the boards!! My son is also in 1st grade. He can add like a pro! But everything else? Oh me, oh my. They learn at their own pace and it sounds like your son is just fine. Focusing on those subjects is GREAT. If you would feel better about it, why not add science once a week? You could do something really simple, such as learning about reptiles this month via library books and youtube videos. :) That's just one idea. You could add any simple "extra" thing. BUT - and this is important - DO NOT GO TO PINTEREST FOR IDEAS!! :tongue_smilie:

[skeeterbug]

I came across this awesome teacher's blog where she'd posted about her first grade astronomy unit. They did so much, I immediately felt inferior and like my kids were missing out. Then I realised...this teacher is teaching the same grade every year. Which means that each year she can make something new that will get used again and again. I don't have that luxury. I just don't have the time to make something that will get used once for 15 minutes and never touched again. I have to pick and choose. But if I was going to teach a 6yo every year for the next ten years? Yeah, I could take the time to do it all, or do a little each year and eventually I'd have this great stash of astronomy-related resources. So teachers can approach projects/activities/crafts from a different perspective than you can at home.

 

I use Pinterest for bookmarking only...as I'm reading various homeschooling blogs and find something I want to remember I pin it to my boards. I have my boards bookmarked so that when I want to find it I go straight there without looking at what everyone else is pinning. All the emails are sent to a folder that I don't look at, so I don't see who is repinning my pins unless I want to. This has helped me tremendously, I don't get sucked in to the time-wasting inferiority-complexing hole that is Pinterest!

[T'smom]

I totally agree with not getting on Pinterest if it is demoralizing you. But I gotta ask if this is a common feeling? I love getting ideas from Pinterest and never even tight to compare "sample projects" with what my child could produce. I pin a ton of stuff and obviously, I'll never get to it all.....but if I do any of it I'm ahead of where I would be if I hadn't. I totally understand about not being able to develop units like teachers that teach the same thing every year.....but since they're doing it and posting it on the Internet, you get to benefit from their work. The only downside for me is that when I get on.....time disappears.....

[sbgrace]

I totally agree with not getting on Pinterest if it is demoralizing you. But I gotta ask if this is a common feeling? I love getting ideas from Pinterest and never even tight to compare "sample projects" with what my child could produce. I pin a ton of stuff and obviously' date=' I'll never get to it all.....but if I do any of it I'm ahead of where I would be if I hadn't. I totally understand about not being able to develop units like teachers that teach the same thing every year.....but since they're doing it and posting it on the Internet, you get to benefit from their work. The only downside for me is that when I get on.....time disappears.....[/quote']

 

It doesn't affect me that way. I love looking at ideas and I don't think I've ever felt down in looking at all the "neater than me" stuff out there. But I have a friend who is more like the OP. I think it's just different personalities. Some of us tend to compare ourselves or be more perfectionist perhaps than others. I really do think people who tend to feel down with it all should avoid looking. None of it is necessary for giving our kids a good education but having a mom who feels good about what she's doing is important.

Edited November 13, 2012 by sbgrace

[duckens]

As a pp said, they only post when they have a really good day.

 

Look at the curriculum choices in my signature. We have these things to do, but not everything gets done on every day. Actually, we're lucky to get just math and phonics done, and that is non-existent on days (or weeks) when "Life happens"*. Likewise, there are some days that are not "deep curriculum" friendly, so we will pick up something lighter from the list on those days.

 

*Life happens: when Dad takes a week off because he has too much vacation, when grandparents come to visit for 8 days, when kids have a cold, when YOU have a cold, dentist day, going to the theater to watch a play, when 6 library books are due today and you haven't read them to the kids yet....

[scootiepie]

With the holidays coming up, it was more the artsy, craftsy stuff I was after...and there are some great Thanksgivings ideas as well. I just couldn't help but notice that the writing type assignments seemed so far ahead of what we are doing. It just had me wondering if I am that far behind, or are they just that far ahead, or even just needlessly pushing these kids. And I totally get that some of the postings are "for show"!

 

I guess I had always assumed I was keeping him on track with where the other kids his age are, so I am just feeling like I need to take stock of where we are and what we are doing. And yes, I need to not fall into the comparison trap! But I'm not sure what benchmarks to use...so that it why I got all caught up into checking out those darn blogs:confused:.

 

I'll have to go check out that audiolink when I get time...thanks!

[CatholicMom]

Oh no. Now I'm really tempted to look and see what OP is talking about... :willy_nilly:

[Mommyfaithe]

Stay. Off. Pinterest and blogs!

 

My house doesn't look like theirs, and neither do my meals. I don't have neat laminated items for every subject and a classroom that looks like an exclusive private school.

 

Unplug!

 

:iagree::iagree:

Or only use pinterest for stuff you know you are never, ever going to do....or to read the funny post cards, or to get recipes.

 

I think the educational/teacher/crafty stuff can be a recipe for disaster.

 

I love pinterest.....but my home and school look absolutely nothing like that!

[besroma]

I have been homeschooling for 13 years. A very important lesson I have learned is not to compare my kids/homeschool to anyone else. On websites like Pinterest or homeschooling blogs people are usually only showing the great parts of their day.

 

Now if you would like to add in some history or art projects do that but not because some blog made you feel inadequate.

 

God Bless,

Elise in NC

 

:iagree:

[Hedgehogs4]

Stay. Off. Pinterest and blogs!

 

My house doesn't look like theirs, and neither do my meals. I don't have neat laminated items for every subject and a classroom that looks like an exclusive private school.

 

Unplug!

 

Interestingly, THEIR houses and meals do not look like their pinterest and blog posts. I know because I blog, and it is very easy to present your best days. It is hard not to show off when you actually get it right. Consider that--when you do well, you want to say so, so many, many people are out there saying, "Look what we did!" (but they didn't point out that their kids had tantrums and smeared peanutbutter down the walls that morning.) I try (for the very reasons you express) to talk about the bad days as well as the good, to show photos of the once beautiful, organized school room looking like a tornado went through, and to talk about some of the struggles. Back in the days before pinterest, facebook and even the internet, my sister used to say that Martha Stewart magazine and things like that were women's pornography--things that we desired but could never really achieve, but if we did it would be at great cost to ourselves (not just financial).

 

From your post, it sounds to me like you are doing GREAT. Keep it simple. enjoy your first grader. Teach him to read and do his sums, just like you are, and read books together. play outside. Do not compare--it is poison to your homeschool.

[besroma]

I had to look at that pintrosity site and I happened to be drinking my coffee and it nearly came out my nose and mouth at the same time. What good therapy places like those are! That cake monkey is hilarious.

 

Hahaha! I also loved the sock wreath and mini corn wreath!

[Hedgehogs4]

Spend more time on Pinstrosity (Pinterest attempts that didn't work). :)

 

:smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5: HILARIOUS! LOVE THE MONKEY! That is justice for all of us that have ever been depressed by pinterest!

[ELITEANDLOVINGIT]

First and foremost, agreed, try not to compare your child's work to what others do.

 

My guess is that most people (myself included) are guilty of posting the "best" of everything, and carefully put aside work that isn't considered quality (or in my case make them redo it). For myself, it is good old fashioned pride.

 

Flawless work on a daily basis is not only unlikely, but down right scary in my book. Children are children, here to be loved and cared for - it sounds like you are a mom who is VERY good at recognizing that.

 

If you have an interest in work that looks more planned (which does help with execution in any task) and you aren't a planner, try buying some lap books or unit studies that are guided.

 

or my favorite...

 

Implement a main lesson book, work English/Lit/History one direction/flip it and use the other side for written math work the other direction, provide crayons, pencils and other beautiful tools for your child to work with; throw out some books on lettering. I have doubt your child will occasionally do something "incredible" and you can post it up on a blog for the world to see :o)

 

Don't sweat it...I think most of us are just real out here and each person, student, teacher, child has his/her own gifts and talents.

[Tidbits of Learning]

I try not to compare to others on blogs and such. They aren't necessarily representative of the peers my children would have at the local school in our area. That said, school students do focus on writing early. I wouldn't feel behind unless this is one of your goals for your 1st grader and you are struggling with it.

I will say that I have come to the conclusion that it depends on your future plans. If you don't know that you will homeschool through to middle school or high school or well past 2nd grade, then I would keep a tab on your local school's website and the grade your child is in currently.

I wouldn't compare to pinterest or random teacher's blogs, but I would compare to the standards in your area and your local school website and teachers sites at the local school for your child's age/grade.

I will also second that blogs are deceiving. I have a blog and I definitely don't post the bad stuff. lol. I may comment we had a bad day during the week, but my pictures are of the things that went well. My blog is my encouragement that we made the right decision and the kids are thriving here. I love looking back on what we have done.

I used to look at a lot of blogs and feel inadequate with what we were doing or second guess myself. It wasn't productive and it didn't help our homeschool learning.

[birchbark]

 

My problem is not knowing what is normal.

 

At that age, there is a wide range of normal. Many first graders, especially boys, are still learning to read and write. You are doing the right thing in focusing on basic skills. Many homeschoolers put in a ton of effort on other subjects at that age only to lament that they have forgotten all they learned in a year or two. You can still still enjoy learning extras together, but do it for enjoyment and not out of anxiety or obligation. In my book, K-3 is for nailing down basic skills and learning to enjoy learning. Your curriculum choices are terrific. Find some things that you and your DS would enjoy (baking? field trips? reading together? raising an animal? building things?) and don't worry about what others are doing. Enjoy that age; there will be plenty of rigor in future years.

 

I always find this post reassuring.

[scootiepie]

That was awesome, thanks so much, and thanks for all the encouragment!

[Rivka]

We played a game of "Latin color-name Twister" at our house today. I cut some scrap paper up into quarters and scribbled on the pieces with colored pencils. Then we pushed the toys and books on the living room floor to the side, scattered the pieces, and spent ten minutes or so giggling and stumbling through "Put your RIGHT hand on purpureus, purpurea, purpureum and your LEFT hand on fuscus, fusca, fuscum AAAAAND your right FOOT on caeruleus, caerulea, caeruleum!"

 

Could I have printed out some nice, neat color blocks and laminated them so they didn't crumple? Yes. Could I have made a cute little spinner, or at least laminated vocabulary cards to draw from a hat, rather than just holding the vocabulary page from our Latin book in my hand? Yes. Could I have cleared the toys and the new tent from the background before I took the picture attached to this post, so that it looked like I keep a neat house? Yes.

 

Did my kids learn less because I didn't do any of that stuff? No.

[ELITEANDLOVINGIT]

We played a game of "Latin color-name Twister" at our house today. I cut some scrap paper up into quarters and scribbled on the pieces with colored pencils. Then we pushed the toys and books on the living room floor to the side, scattered the pieces, and spent ten minutes or so giggling and stumbling through "Put your RIGHT hand on purpureus, purpurea, purpureum and your LEFT hand on fuscus, fusca, fuscum AAAAAND your right FOOT on caeruleus, caerulea, caeruleum!"

 

Could I have printed out some nice, neat color blocks and laminated them so they didn't crumple? Yes. Could I have made a cute little spinner, or at least laminated vocabulary cards to draw from a hat, rather than just holding the vocabulary page from our Latin book in my hand? Yes. Could I have cleared the toys and the new tent from the background before I took the picture attached to this post, so that it looked like I keep a neat house? Yes.

 

Did my kids learn less because I didn't do any of that stuff? No.

 

If I could click a "like" button I would....LOVE IT.