I can’t even begin to describe to you how stress-free I have felt this last week since making the decision to keep my kids at home during the last fluff week of school rather than having to deal with getting them there on time and then picking them up in the hot summer weather. I feel rejuvenated–I can even get more things done during the day…something I thought was impossible to do with my kids at home.
We’ve already gotten up at 6 am to go blackberry and wild plum picking. Our grocery shopping for the week is done (I’m now spending an average of $25 a week on groceries since most of our food needs are being met through our garden and harvesting of wild fruits). We even started a summer school homeschooling program for my oldest son, but it will be beneficial for all my kids.
I haven’t really eluded to the main reason I took my boys out of school a week early, and my reason is because I feel my oldest is ill prepared for second grade. I honestly don’t think he has retained much of what was taught to him his first grade year. I am worried that if he continues on the path he’s been on that he will most certainly fail second grade–or at least should fail second grade if it weren’t for the special education program he is currently enrolled in.
I’ve spoken with my son’s current teacher about my concerns with my seven-year-old and together we have come up with some solutions that I hope will help him over the summer. About a month ago she gave me all the first grade spelling words and the second grade high frequency words to go over with my oldest during the summer.
She’s also given me practice workbooks and the basic letter workbook they have been using.
Both of these resources should help all my sons with school since all three will be attending elementary school next year.
We’re also daily going over math.
I even picked up a few basic readers to help me teach my sons how to read. Most of the books I picked up at yard sales, and this one has to be my favorite.
We are rewarding my oldest with trips to the dollar store for getting at least an 80 percent on the two spelling tests he is taking each week. So, even though I have taken my kids out of school early, it is definitely not all fun and games over here.
Although sometime this week we are going to the lake. Tomorrow, in fact, if my zoom lens arrives in time.
