I'm introspecting. Nothing new, I do it all the time. But this is a bigger topic than my usual "Should I have that second helping of spaghetti?" Right now I'm wondering if I've ever really had to work hard at anything.
College degree? I went to UNLV. 'Nuff said.
Finding a husband? We were a match made in heaven and InterVarsity brought us together. I didn't even have to join an online dating service.
Ballet? Starring roles in my childhood recitals.
Golf? Natural talent.
Running? Okay, that takes a little effort...
The list of things I've dumped because they are too hard is much longer:
Really learning the computer...
...my camera...
...algebra...
...chemistry...
...online billpay...
...the coffee maker...
...Rubik's cube...
...football...
...Skype...
...shopping sales...
...cooking...
Did I mention cooking? Okay, I haven't dumped cooking because Kevin once gently explained to me that our family won't work unless I make at least a genuine effort to TRY to put together meals. (He also graciously offered to help, a lot, and thankfully follows through on this regularly.)
But, really, I think I skate through a lot of stuff keeping it as simple as possible. I have NO idea how I ever passed algebra and chemistry without cheating. But I know I didn't cheat, and I didn't flunk - so there must have been magic involved.
Today's introspection involves Joseph's registration in this online school. My vocation just got a LOT harder. If all the homeschool moms who know me could read this (and I hope they don't - my ego can't handle it) they would point and chuckle, surely. You see, I was skating along with homeschool. And if I didn't put in an hour of effort into teaching math every day, I justified my laziness by assuming my kids would still get the concepts by "being-home-with-mom osmosis".
For the past week, Joe has had about six to seven SOLID hours of schoolwork per day! Those of you who send your kids to school might roll your eyes at this, since a public school day is about that long - but these are SOLID WORK hours. For both of us. Not counting lunch, snacks, and other breaks. I'm tired. And I feel like I can't feel sorry for myself since I chose this route.
It's still the early days of this new curriculum. I know there's a learning curve and catch-up work involved in a "mastery-based" program. But as I stated before, I'm not good at learning. I'm MUCH happier with being naturally gifted at things. You can see how this new thing is stretching me in good ways, right? Because I can't. I want to go pout a little more.
6 comments:
I wish I could think of something funny or insightful to say. But all that is coming to me is "Stretch, Teri!" You can do it! Just like my quest to do the splits, you just need to stretch a little. Ok, a lot (for both of us). Don't give up, keep it in perspective, and know that he is probably learning a lot, which is the goal of education, right?
Last year Noah did K12 through California Virtual Academy. I think I could give you insight and perspective into their program if you'd like. You DO NOT have to do every single thing!
Janice, when can I call you???
I love Kristi's comment. :) I was trying to think of something great to say, but I'm no help. I kinda' like the easy, laidback routes. Good luck! You can do it.
Have that second helping of spaghetti. It'll take the edge off.
I love the dump list...looks similar to mine;)
I hope you get it all figured out and in the mean time God grants you stamina and wisdom!
I would never chuckle at you personally, but your writing does bring a smile to my face and a chuckle in my heart quite often:)
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