Monday, January 18, 2010

Positive way to start a home school day


I've been fortunate to spend the past several months home schooling my 7 year old grandson. He is not so fortunate to have epilepsy. Although most days are fine, you always have to be prepared to notice a stare - a distance - a change. One of the most important things I have him do each morning before our lessons start is reading POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS FOR CHILDREN: (this is a list I found online)
1. I believe in me.
2. I am special, there in no-one else like me.
3. I am proud to be different.
4. I have great ideas.
5. If I think I can, I can.
6. Mistakes are OK, they help me learn.
7. I choose to make today a great day.

I also added these for days that are are a bit trying-

1.While learning, I will remember to ask question if I don't understand.
2.I will try my very best to PAY ATTENTION.
3.If I am confused, I won't get mad. Instead, I'll tell someone I don't understand.
4.We will make learning fun. Learning can come from games and fieldtrips.
5. It is important that we use our school time doing our work first, so we can spend time playing later.

I typed this and put in a plastic sleeve. He finds it on his desk each day, and eagerly reads it all. Once he even boasts - after reading I am proud to be different, he said YES I AM!

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Saturday, January 16, 2010

special talks at night

Only at bedtime do you really ask all the questions you want to know about as a child. Jordan constantly asks - how did he die? - How did she die?. He has been introduced to every member of my deceased family. He knows their names, what they look like, what they liked to do. Most of all he wants to meet them in heaven. Not your normal conversation with a seven year old, but I find it heartwarming that a small child has such an interest in their ancestors, the way my life was affected by them and of course the knowledge that one day we will all meet.
Seems a little weird that this would bring me comfort, but in all the horror of our everyday lives, the simple talks - the honest talks - the curious child will bring a joy nothing else these days can do.