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Keeping them on schedule?
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I am having issues (we’re on our 2nd week) of keeping them moving on lessons. They dawdle and fuss about having to work (this is our first year homeschooling). I think they thought this was going to be a big party of no work. I hate being tied to a clock, and tried to make our schedule a vague set of times. I am not sure how/what is effective/ in punishing them for not completing tasks. They are dragging things out and I’m getting very frustrated with all of it. I haven’t given them too much, nor too much/little time to complete the tasks.
I don’t like working on a clock either, but things have to get done don’t they? It depends first on their ages as for how much time to allot. Also, shifting subjects properly helps with inattention. Since they are new to this, it may be better to start on the smaller amount side so they can give full attention then work your way up to more within the same time frame.
This is a major transition time, start small, with less subjects and add as everyone begins to adjust. Focus on the core subjects, emphasizing CM’s basic 3. They don’t yet “see” you as their “teacher”, either, probably. So that may need to be taught? Also, some families have their children show what they’ve done to the ‘principal’ (I.e. dad) when he gets home, which leads to an extra level of accountablilty, esp. here at the beginning. Of course, that requires a dad who is understanding with mom that we don’t always get things done like we plan in homeschooling b/c life gets in the way, but it works for some.
After you set a reasonable time frame (if you have a slow writer you may need to be generous), then if they’re not finished in time, switch subjects. Whoever isn’t finished has to use up their free time to complete the work.
The same applies on the flip side; if they finish before time is up (and it’s neat) they get to use that extra time in other pursuits.
Just some ideas.
Rachel
I totally agree, Rachel. I would just add (and this is probably more for older children) that we periodically need to go on a schedule that keeps us totally flexible as far as outside activities, such that we are not ‘in charge’ of anything. That helps so much when we need to say, “Guys, we just need to stay home this weekend…”
Sometimes when it’s time to do something else, just say, “Okay put that away, we’re moving on to math now. I’m disappointed you didn’t finish your copywork, and I’m sure you are too, but you can finish it when you work on copywork tomorrow.”
Different days will require different approaches to keep on schedule, but sometimes it works to just move ahead and get them in the habit of keeping on the ball with their work.
(Some days I admit I’m more of the dawdler than my kids!)
Thank you all for your suggestions!!! My kids are 6 & 8. Dad is in the Army, so flexibility isn’t exactly in his vocabulary. I appreciate the input, and especially the “permission” to just move on. I don’t want to get frustrated and burned out so early. We started off very slowly last week because we didn’t have all of the stuff we ordered (and still don’t), but I wanted them to get a feel for how our days would go.
As to teaching them to see me as their teacher–any suggestions? Or does it come with time?
Olivia
If my kids goof around and don’t get their schoolwork done in a timely manner, they do it during play time. I specifically have to say, “Okay, school’s done and it’s play time” so they know they’re missing something good. I will let them know earlier in the day that they’ll be required to make it up later so there’s no fight at the end of the day.
I’m not a clock person either, but I do find it helpful to use a timer once in a while. Especially if we’re starting a new subject or schedule. Kids don’t automatically know how much is a reasonable amount of time and using a timer for a week or three seems to help them figure out how quickly they need to work. And if they get done early they have a few extra minutes of free time.
I’m not sure how to address the ‘see you as teacher’ thing as we’ve always homeschooled so there was no real transition. I do have to have my husband step in occasionally and remind them that they need to be respectful and attentive or they’ll answer to him. They’re not really sure what that means, but it’s enough of a concern that they change their attitude.
It does take time to get into the rhythm of homeschooling. Take lots of deep breaths, say lots of prayers and just keep moving forward. It gets easier.
Heather
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