I had intended to give the kids a longer break than they would get with their public school schedule. I thought it would be a good thing to "undo" the old routine before beginning the new. But after a lot of discussion and consideration, we're starting the new school year right along with most of the rest of Las Vegas. Which means just over a week from now. I think that it will take the new routine to undo the old. And they want to have the same first day as their friends in public school.
So... as soon as I made that decision, the first big wave of panic rolled over me. I've had smaller waves of panic. This was more like a tidal wave. Nothing to do but pull out the schedule, books, and lesson plan and tackle my fears. Other than a few "hitches" with their math and their art curriculum, it was a breeze. I'm ready, in other words.
I'm hoping some wise and creative people I know will read this and chime in with comments including your favorite "first day of school" ideas. So far, we're going to do a couple fun things, a light intro to their texts, and then a parade around the house. I'm calling it a "school tour". This is it, kids! This... your HOME... is also our school! I've already thought of the joke I'll make as we pass by the bathrooms, but I'll spare you my corny sense of humor on that one.
Oh, and fun moment with our pediatrician. He's a rather stern Middle-Eastern guy who smiles very subtly, and talks softly and chooses his words. At an appointment last week, he asked Joseph what school he went to. Joe told him he's going to homeschool and this doc perked right up. "Can I send my kids to you?" "That's great!" "Hey, how 'bout a joint venture? I'll do science and math!"
Gotta love it. I'm adding my kids' pediatrician's offer to teach science and math to the most surprising responses I've had so far.
3 comments:
When do you have the guest artist lecturer come in?? Ahem. ;o)
Ooooooooohhhh - careful, Jelaine, I'll have you over here with paintbrush, pretty plate and some sushi in no time!
Wow, you are one brave woman and I feel lazy! They don't start school here until after labor day so I am taking full advantage and jumping on board with that. Are you going to continue to do "track" and do school all year?
Anyway, I guess am totally lame because I don't know that I do anything special the first day of school. This year will be different because we will be catching up on some history before we officially start. I do make a big deal of their new school books and a new routine and I made them special planners they are very excited about? Does that count for any credit? If it does, I guess I lose some because I spilled water on them on the way to the printer today so I have to re print them! I'm such a goof!
Ok, I got brave and asked them what they would want to celebrate the first day of school and they both said, "bake a cake" so there, I might do that:) Of course it wouldn't be a fancy cake like yours, but a square plain Betty Crocker $2.50 cake!
I will update you if I get any brilliant ideas from other moms!
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