I began officially homeschooling about 3 years ago out of necessity, but we were in a weird place then. It really wasn't a choice at the time and we made do with what we had but worksheets given by someone else strictly because she couldn't go to school did Pom no good. This was in the first grade.
Now she is in fourth and Diva is in second. Homeschooling is a choice now. One that I can't imagine not making the more I think about it. I have been asked about it a lot lately and so have thought a lot about it.
We have done SO many different things. We tried everything from traditional teaching methods to Montessori, worksheet based, unschooling, virtual academies and more. We finally found our groove and I am thrilled with the way things are going now. SO are the girls in fact! They love school this way and are learning SO much! They are both ahead of the grade level they should be in and, contrary to stereotypes, VERY well rounded and socially adept.
Socialization is a touchy subject all around and one I was REALLY worried about (thanks to outside pressure) when we began this adventure. Because of that I have done everything I could to ensure they were exposed to socialization. They are in two dance classes each, girl scouts, awanas, 4-H etc. The one thing we don't belong to is a homeschool group or co-op. I don't have time and honestly, I would rather they were exposed to a variety of different ideas and home cultures.
That being said, I am close to one person who homeschools her girls and am quickly realizing how beneficial those relationships are!
My point is, aside from the rambling, socialization should be a factor when making the decision to care for your own kids instead of letting a stranger do it, but it shouldn't be the only one. Why do we care so much that our kids are popular or have a hundred friends. Shouldn't we be more concerned that they are educated and happy? And....
When you begin homeschooling, it may take awhile to find your groove. Every child, every parent, every family and every teaching style is different. Plan, adjust and go with it. You won't get everything done. You'll get the important stuff.
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Monday, September 6, 2010
Tips on Back to School GF Lunches
It's that time of year again. Having a child that is gluten free is hard enough, for both of you. School adds a whole new list of worries. What are you going to pack them every morning? What happens if someone wants to share? Is there a risk of contamination at the lunch table? What about class treats, birthdays, pizza parties, popcorn parties and all the other food related issues? Last but not least...does your child eat glue? It has gluten in it too. While my kidlins are home schooled, my godson is in this exact predicament (and yes he does like to eat glue...among other NASTY things).
Here are a few tips that his wonderful mom and I have come up with.
1. Practice at home. It's easy for him since he has 5 siblings that do not have the gluten intolerance. He has had to live his life not setting anything he eats on the table for fear of a crumb and not eating ANYTHING that anyone else has. He knows how he feels and questions everything given to him. (This is a very proud aunt over here)
2. Make his or her lunches interesting. Rice Cake Tuna Melts are a good start at interesting but all the other kids are going to have snack cakes, fruit snacks and candy. Make sure you are putting something that is fun in there. One thing that he and Genius both adore is when we put Go-gurts (yay for major brands being GF) in the freezer overnight then pack them. They are still cold by lunchtime and it's something that all the other kids probably have too.
3. Talk to the teacher. I cannot emphasize this enough. She (or he) can tell you when there are special things coming up so you can send something. She can keep GF snacks that you have provided on hand. I sent microwave popcorn that was GF with Genius to Girl Scout camp for popcorn parties. The godson's mom has done the same thing with his teacher.
4. Understand, and help your child understand, that no matter how hard you try there may be times that he or she gets left out. It's okay.
5. It doesn't need to be said but I will anyway. Teach them NOT to put glue, markers, paint and other school supplies in their mouth. It's good practice for any kid but make sure they know it will hurt them.
Have fun!
Here are a few tips that his wonderful mom and I have come up with.
1. Practice at home. It's easy for him since he has 5 siblings that do not have the gluten intolerance. He has had to live his life not setting anything he eats on the table for fear of a crumb and not eating ANYTHING that anyone else has. He knows how he feels and questions everything given to him. (This is a very proud aunt over here)
2. Make his or her lunches interesting. Rice Cake Tuna Melts are a good start at interesting but all the other kids are going to have snack cakes, fruit snacks and candy. Make sure you are putting something that is fun in there. One thing that he and Genius both adore is when we put Go-gurts (yay for major brands being GF) in the freezer overnight then pack them. They are still cold by lunchtime and it's something that all the other kids probably have too.
3. Talk to the teacher. I cannot emphasize this enough. She (or he) can tell you when there are special things coming up so you can send something. She can keep GF snacks that you have provided on hand. I sent microwave popcorn that was GF with Genius to Girl Scout camp for popcorn parties. The godson's mom has done the same thing with his teacher.
4. Understand, and help your child understand, that no matter how hard you try there may be times that he or she gets left out. It's okay.
5. It doesn't need to be said but I will anyway. Teach them NOT to put glue, markers, paint and other school supplies in their mouth. It's good practice for any kid but make sure they know it will hurt them.
Have fun!
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