Reader Feedback, Getting 'It All' Done with Health Issues
By Heather Idoni
Added Thursday, August 27, 2009
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The Homeschooler's Notebook
Encouragement and Advice for Homeschool Families
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Vol. 10 No 63 August 27, 2009
ISSN: 1536-2035
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Copyright (c) 2009 - Heather Idoni, FamilyClassroom.net
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IN THIS ISSUE:
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Notes from Heather
-- Reader Feedback
Helpful Tip
-- Nature Study and Beyond
Winning Website
-- PBS Building Big
Reader Question
-- Getting it All Done
Additional Notes
-- Newsletter Archives
-- Sponsorship Information
-- Reprint Information
-- Subscriber Information
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Notes from Heather
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Reader Feedback
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More on Math-U-See and a Thank-You from Shelly :-)
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"Hi Shelly -- I used the old Math U See program and one of the
new ones and was very pleased with it. It is simple and easy to
understand, painless, and your child can do it as well as learn
from you. We watched the videos together. My child progressed so
quickly that I held off an extra year for Algebra until 8th grade.
This program gives your child an opportunity to use all the learning
styles: hearing, observing, and doing by touching blocks and other
manipulatives. It is worth your time. Look for used materials
online; not everyone chooses to write on their material." -- Debra
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"Correction: I said Math U See was not colorful and that can hinder
students with ADD and other learning problems. I meant that *less*
colorful pages can be a *help* to children with learning problems.
It may be less distracting to students. The simple page is a good
thing. Sorry for the mistake."
---
"Wow! The feedback on this newsletter never disappoints. Thanks to
everyone to answered my question about the Math-U-See program. It
was exactly what I needed to hear. What I got out of the answers was
that the program is great for children that are not 'math people' and
not so great for strong math students. My children are definitely not
'math people', so I'm looking forward to giving it a try. Thanks!"
-- Shelly T.
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One More Answer for Annie and her Boys
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"Hi Annie -- I had the very same problem with my oldest -- left her
too much on her own. I would suggest you find some really amazing
educational programming on video as boys are very visual, usually.
Audio learning is also a 'hook'. Getting some interactive lessons
like art, music or sign language on video will use up some of that
energy and they will have a lesson too! Get them to narrate what they
learned or journal the activity in a simple notebook created just for
that purpose. If you can, get them a binder that they can create a
title page for (front page clear pocket for their personalized cover)
and fill it with blank lined and unlined pages and even photo pocket
type pages or page protectors/pockets to store works in progress (cut
pieces, etc). Create a journal page for the beginning where they fill
out what they did and date it. Have a few simple rules like containing
it to one room until you're done with your daughter -- and assure them
that you will set a timer and check in on them when it goes off. Give
them a recording machine to record ideas they come up with to tell you
later if they're too young to write independently right now, especially
for those things they need permission to do. Provide lots of physical
outlets before you work with your daughter, like chores and activities
from 'Fun Physical Fitness' by Sono Harris.
Teach them together wherever you can so they feel included and not like
they are always competing for attention. An educational computer game
or video will buy you some time, too. I would also strongly suggest
you train them to have a separated quiet time daily and use that if
you are desperate to get ahead. Plan to use it for your own personal
down time as much as possible. Start with 20 minutes and one to three
rules and build on it until they are used to being alone quietly for
an hour.
Unabridged classic books on tape or CD can help there, especially
for the emerging reader, when you get a copy of the book to follow
along in and provide a line marker (book marker to scroll down with).
I know that it seems like a cop-out to put them in front of a video
daily, but if it works and buys you some needed time, and they are
learning too, how can it hurt? Just keep it all logged and you
will see that it makes a difference and the planning for it is
worth it." -- Tanis M.
---
Do you have comments to share? Please do!
Send your emails to: mailto:heather@familyclassroom.net
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looking forward to the next sessions!" -- Myriam
http://www.FamilyClassroom.net/HomeschoolingABCs.htm
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Helpful Tip
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Nature Study and Beyond
"I recently posted an article on using a seasonal nature study
as a jumping off point to study areas of science in biology,
physical sciences, and chemistry without the use of a textbook,
by looking at nature, reading living books, and doing activities
and experiments.
Here is my link in case you might find this helpful to you."
http://charlottemasonhomeschooling.wordpress.com
-- Katie
---
Do you have an idea, experience, or tip to share? Please write!
Send to: mailto:HN-ideas@familyclassroom.net
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Winning Website
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Building Big -- http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/
Building Big from PBS -- Explore large structures and what it takes
to build them with BUILDING BIG™, a five-part PBS television series
and website from WGBH Boston. The main features on this interactive
site are bridges, domes, skyscrapers, dams and tunnels.
-- Cindy, www.HomeschoolingFromTheHeart.com
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Last Issue's Reader Question
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"This will be an unusual problem. I have 2 children with juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis. My son is 13 and my daughter is 11. My kids
have been homeschooling their whole lives and they have great attitudes
toward school and chores, but they have a very difficult time with
mornings (achy).
My problem is that I just can't get it all done -- meaning our school
work and our housework. For example, we have physical therapy on
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We need to be in the pool three
times a week as well. Wednesday my daughter woke up throwing up and
my son had diarrhea. His back and hip were hurting and he was having
trouble functioning. We have a doctor appointment on Friday. This
would be an example of a typical week, even though this was a real one.
It is Thursday and we have gotten our school work done, except for
my daughter yesterday. The basics of housework (food and laundry)
are done, but there is nothing left in me for bigger chores.
Here is what we do: I have a menu and a schedule. I have a housework
schedule. The kids have chores each morning, when they are able to
do them -- and I do push them. Unfortunately, they have to move to
keep their joints moving.
I don't need anyone to feel sorry for us; this is just life. I
would like any practical ideas to help me with scheduling -- or
a better idea of how to fit in real cleaning." -- Audra in Alabama
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Our Readers' Responses
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"You seem to already have a pretty good scheduling plan. I don't
have the same situation you do, but my days are very unpredictable
with many interruptions, irregular commitments, and last-minute changes
in plans. We school year round, going 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off. During
the 2 week break, I try to do larger house cleaning tasks, so that during
our school session, I only have to maintain and do surface cleaning.
I also try to get as many meals in the freezer as possible during our
break. That helps a great deal too." -- Mary Beth
---
"Dear Audra -- I have had an auto-immune disease (Sjögren's Syndrome)
since I was a child, so I know what your children are going through.
I continue to battle the achy joints and fatigue. I do know that
moving will help in the long run, but it is difficult. Remember to
have enough time to rest. And if you are having trouble with keeping
up with housework, then please ask someone to help! Ask family,
neighbors, your church, support group, or pay someone to come in.
There is limited energy in life and it is much better to be spent on
relationships and child training than to be to worried about housework.
Please be encouraged! I have 4 children and I still struggle to have
enough time and energy to get it all done. I have learned to examine
all items of my life to see which are most important, what can be
done later, and what doesn't actually need done at all." -- Jody P.
---
"I remember reading an article from a homeschooling mom who had
children with chronic medical issues. She referred to their
schooling as 'carschooling' because they did so much work in the
car and at appointments. You can search the internet and find lots
of resources -- here is one that looks helpful:
http://www.homefires.com/articles/carschooling.asp
You didn't mention what curriculum/type of homeschooling you use,
but perhaps you could consider other options that would allow you
to save some time -- combining the two kids for some subjects, (even
if their assignments differed slightly, you'd only have to teach
the main material once), combining subjects -- for instance writing
assignments that relate to whatever you are studying in history.
Unit studies may also be helpful, especially if you go with a
prepared one rather than making one yourself.
Also realize that your kids have probably learned a lot more medical
and rehab information than the average student. No one can know
everything -- they are likely learning a lot even if you miss a
day here or there. Consider ways that you can include your extra
activities as 'school'. Obviously swimming counts as P.E., but
perhaps you can be creative as to what else you count (depending on
the requirements of your state). Remember that household chores
can count as Home Ec.
Another thought -- would it be possible to rearrange your schedule
so that your children go swimming first thing (early) in the morning?
I'm assuming they are feeling better after swimming, which might
allow them to work faster, or with less pain, to complete chores
and school work.
As far as chores go, the easiest answer would be to hire someone
to come in and do the bigger cleaning -- either a professional, or
perhaps an older teen or someone from your church or homeschool
group who may charge a very reasonable fee. If that isn't possible,
then enlist the help of your husband to see what chores he is willing
to take on. Some people really like flylady -- www.flylady.net --
for help getting chores done.
Steve and Terri Maxwell also have a book called 'Managers of their
Chores' that may be helpful to you. 'Managers of their Homes' also
has excellent help on scheduling your time and school day:
One final thought -- sometimes we just can't do everything. Figure
out what your priorities are and do not let the 'urgent' things
preempt the 'important' things (for example, let the machine answer
the phone), delegate what you can, and be prepared to let some things
go for a season." -- Laurie
---
"Audra -- Consider having a friend or someone come in to clean once
a week. I have a friend who cleans a couple of hours a week, since
I, too, have many responsibilities. She charges me the 'friend rate',
and I feel a little of the weight taken off my shoulders each time
she comes! I'm not great about organization and cleaning, but I know
quite a few people who like the 'Managers of their Homes' book and the
FlyLady website for organizational and cleaning ideas, and About.com
also has some great ideas under housekeeping and organization."
-- Shelly S.
---
"I have Fibromyalgia and so does my 12 year old homeschooled daughter.
The main thing that I have had to learn is that a clean house is not
as important as my children's education. On our 'bad' days, we do
what is absolutely necessary and spend a lot of time reading out loud
together or individually. She likes to write stories on the computer
and I strongly encourage that on her bad days. They really do need to
keep moving and PE is very difficult most days. I purchased a Wii Fit
as much for her as for myself and we both use it. The yoga is very
beneficial for joint problems.
Your homeschool might have to be done year round if there are too
many bad days in a school year. After all, this is why we homeschool
our children that have physical disabilities. We want to be able to
work around their schedule. I've found most of my housework has to
be done on the weekends, which I hate, but it's a necessary evil."
-- Shelly T.
---
"Wow, Audra -- I really can't think of a realistic way you can do
more than what you are doing. I don't have even half the things you
have going and seldom do I get to keep the house like I envision it
in my mind. As far as homeschool, it seems we are always falling
behind schedule for one thing or another. I do want to encourage you
not to look at what didn't get done, but focus on all you did accomplish.
When I had our first child I went through a very difficult time, and
even had serious postpartum depression. One of the things that helped
my was understanding that people come first. I literally wrote a sign
that said 'If you came to see the house, now is not a good time. If
you came to see us, come right on in'. The sign was really for me --
to keep reminding me of what was more important. From what you wrote,
you have that covered well.
On a practical level you might ask for help from your community of
faith, and from other homeschoolers. There might be a homeschool mom
or an older teen that can come to your home to help tutor your children;
that way you are free to do things around the house. This would also
provide your children with some additional friends. Or the teens might
be willing to come and help with major household chores. You will find
that some homeschool families focus more on character development than
academics and want opportunities to train their children's hearts through
work and serving others. You'd be proving for them an opportunity for
ministry.
I pray The Almighty strengthens you and provides you with wisdom --
and that your children's health improves." -- Judy A.
---
"Audra -- You have some difficult circumstances, and unfortunately
a big part of the answer is going to be choosing priorities. Often
that means your housework will slide as your children are more
important.
Simplifying certainly helps, including finding ways to do chores
faster/easier (for example, I have found Norwex antibacterial cloths
have greatly reduced my time since I started using them; I have also
found keeping things put away in closets/baskets, etc. makes cleaning
much faster as surfaces are clear).
My biggest recommendations would be to establish your baseline for
your house, and work your daily/weekly chore schedule to accommodate
that. Then, about once a month have a household day instead of a
school day -- and deep clean everything in one fell swoop.
The other thing I have found helpful is to have my kids' morning
chores include a chore called 'daily household task'. Then I look
around the house first thing in the morning and choose those things
that most need doing. They each choose one for their daily household
task, and I do the others. That way we usually keep somewhat ahead
of disaster." -- El in Canada
---
"First of all I want you to know that I grew up with Juvenile Rheumatoid
Arthritis. A few things that helped me tremendously were:
1. Yucca -- in capsule form bought from a health food store
2. Carrot juice -- I always threw some golden delicious apple in to
tame the sweetness of the carrot)
3. A Gluten-free Diet.
Just a few things to consider that helped myself.
As to getting the house work done, a program I use that has
helped me tremendously is called 'Motivated Moms'. It was
designed by homeschool moms and you can find it here:
http://www.motivatedmoms.com/products.html
At the bottom of the page are samples of the different options
they offer."
---
"Dear Audra -- I have found that this website -- www.flylady.net
-- has revolutionized my method of house cleaning. Being an 'all
or nothing' perfectionist, this has really helped me and my family
enjoy 'blessing' our home. Best of all it's free! I don't have
to be exact for it to work, either. (I clean barefoot -- Shh!)
The premise is to never need to do 'big' cleaning again by doing
'baby steps' every day -- 15 minutes here and there. You have to
see and try it to believe it works!
Here is another link:
http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/gettingorganized/flplanner.php
This is to help the homeschool mom schedule along with flylady.
It is also free! So hang in there and let the Lord guide and
direct your ways. I'm sure something someone says here will help
you in your quandary." -- Tina in AZ
---
"Hi, Audra! Speaking as both a current homeschooling mom, as well
as a former nurse (25 years), I think you're doing great with your
situation. Maybe you need us (figuratively speaking, of course) to
give you 'permission' to give yourself permission to not worry about
'big projects'. You don't mention what those are so it's hard to
know how crucial they are to the healthy and productive functioning
of your home and family, but that might be the first question to ask
yourself: 'If this doesn't get done as often as I'd like, will my
home or family suffer?' My suggestion would be to just fit in these
bigger projects as time and opportunity allow, or maybe find a way
to 'outsource' it to someone else. You didn't mention your husband's
participation in the homeschooling and health issues, so maybe he'd
be willing to take on those chores that can't wait if he were made
aware of the need." -- Kay
---
"As far as scheduling, and I personally am no expert by any means,
I would try FLYlady (flylady.net). They do have some tools to help,
like a big calendar to coordinate family appointments and a journal
to organize your everyday/monthly/personal info.
If you sign up (free, as a yahoo group), she sends out reminders in
emails throughout the day (or a digest if lots of emails are too much).
She is so encouraging! She says to do things in baby steps and has
cute terms, but most importantly she reminds us to not 'beat up' on
ourselves and to take care of ourselves as we conquer our daily tasks
(or attempt to).
I really encourage anyone to give it a try. It really helps to have
someone give you a little chore. They have a system where they rotate
through different parts of the house during the month. I personally
have benefited greatly from the encouragement and help." -- Anna
---
"God bless you, your son and your daughter today. I pray that He will
give you all grace every new morning, and strength for every day.
You have an adolescent son and an 11 year old daughter, and 'they have
great attitudes toward school and chores'. Do you know how much that
tells me about what kind of a person and parent you are? You are
already super-successful as far as I am concerned.
Are you getting appropriate help from your church? In my opinion it
is appropriate for you to accept practical help on an ongoing basis
without being judged or told how to manage your life.
I am not clear what kinds of 'bigger chores' or 'real cleaning' are
being left undone, but unless these are issues of health and safety
I give you permission to put them off indefinitely, and I forbid you
to feel inappropriate guilt about it.
Finally, try to remember that the happy plastic whitewashed people
with their healthy children that you are sometimes tempted to envy
don't always get everything done either. I have lived in this house
for 5 years without drywall or flooring on the second story, partly
because we have a family business and homeschool our son, and partly
because I would rather work in the garden." -- Rick in Michigan
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