Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Move and Learn

Do you remember your days in the classroom? Mine were so long ago they are pretty fuzzy, but I do recall hearing the teacher reminding students to sit still, encouraging them to focus rather than fidget. Did you hear that when you were in school? Perhaps you were one of the students they were speaking to, and you were struggling against your natural inclination to move while you learned.

Research is now demonstrating that children benefit from having the freedom to move while they are learning. According to a recent report on ABC News, classrooms have begun incorporating more exercise and beneficial movement, and the student's scores are improving significantly. Some classrooms have stability balls for the students to sit or bounce on rather than the traditional desk chair. Other classrooms are set up for students to stand while they work, and take movement breaks regularly. A high school near Chicago has shifted each student's schedule to start the day with physical education, as well as providing balls and bikes in the classrooms so that the students are constantly on the move. The result ... reading scores have doubled, and math scores have risen by a factor of 20. Rather than cutting the PE program, this high school's administration is looking for additional ways to get the kids moving.

Do you have children who struggle with math or reading? I would suggest that you get them moving. One of my earlier posts spoke about the kinesthetic learning modality, but I don't think that these schools are finding that the movement is benefitting only those students who are wired kinesthetically. I think there is benefit for everyone in movement. Exercise, such as square dancing, which incorporates aerobic activity to increase the heart rate and intricate movement to stimulate thinking, can jump start your child's brain (or your own) for better problem solving.

So break away from the desk, table, or couch on a regular basis during your school hours, and get moving! Explore new ways to challenge your children and yourself. You'll provide an outlet for their wiggle and, no doubt, discover that thinking is not as challenging as it was in your stationary past.

Kelly

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Feeling Weary or Discouraged?

Do you find yourself counting the days until this school year is ended? It isn't uncommon for homeschool parents to feel fatigue and even discouragement in the spring. The Bible indicates that many of our experiences in daily life correspond to spiritual situations. Fatigue and discouragement in the physical can be a reflection of spiritual battles. My pastor recently shared some valuable insights for having victory in the spiritual and physical aspects of life and I thought they may be of help for you as you come into the home stretch for this school year.

First, you must know your enemy. There were days in my homeschool experience that I was inclined to think that my children were the enemy, but that was really not the case. Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 if you don't believe me. Your children are a gift from God, not your enemy; so you need to look at the bigger picture to identify your enemy. Perhaps it is a schedule that is packed far too full, allowing no breathing space or down time. In this season of your life, you need to protect your school time and carefully select your outside activities. If you feel that you are making little progress in your homeschooling, you may need to examine your approach and explore other options. When I began to explore my children's learning modalities and selected materials that worked in conjunction with those modalities, then our efforts were much more successful.

Second, you must know your weak points. If your children "push your buttons" that will be a clue that you have weak points. You may find it helpful to find an experienced homeschooler or 'Titus 2' woman at church and ask her assistance in identifying those weak areas and her advice and prayer support as you seek the Lord's help in fortifying those areas. God can using the homeschool setting to show you areas that He wants to develop in you. Don't ignore these opportunities ... it's a valuable part of your growth, and can demonstrate to your children that God works on us all.

Next, you need to know your weapons. The passage I referenced earlier in 2 Corinthians tells us that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful" and 1 Peter tells us that God's grace is as varied as the trials we face, so you can be confident that He will help you. Your first weapon is prayer, surrendering yourself as you seek His guidance. You can also explore alternate curriculum options, seek to plan your schedule and days more carefully, and practice employing the word "no" with a smile. I'm primarily referring to not agreeing to participate in every possible activity, but choosing them carefully, ensuring that they provide greater benefit than cost to you in time, preparation, and energy. This was a hard lesson for me.

Lastly, I strongly encourage you ... don't give up! If you know in your heart that you are called to homeschool your children, then press on. If your current approach isn't working, then explore other options. Attending a homeschool convention is a great way to revive your vision, explore those options and redirect your efforts. Perhaps this needs to be a 'Mother's Day/Weekend Out' type of trip, giving you time to get away, rest and renew your energies. Trust me, you are worth it!