About This Blog

This blog started out as a fun blog about different projects I did with my kids, then it turned into a homeschooling blog, now...it's kind of both. I love doing activities with my kids and making fun things for them to play with. I'm a huge fan of busy bag activities and I am a mild hoarder, as I feel the need to save EVERYTHING, just in case I find a fun activity that requires egg cartons or something. Also, I have a slight obsession with felt. I hope you enjoy this blog and maybe find some inspiration in the randomness of it all. :)







Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Here's a basic rundown of our day.  We start out with scripture study and family prayer.  Once a week we do the pledge of allegiance (We'd do it every day if I could get myself to remember.  Working on that one.) Then we do chores. 


Here are some things that help me get through my homeschooling day.  Anyone with children with ADHD will understand the frustration of trying to get your child to pay attention and "JUST LOOK AT THE PAGE AND READ THE WORD!  Is that too much to ask?!?  We could have been done HOURS ago."  This year I did my research and these are some things I decided to incorporate.

On days we do laundry, I read something science related to them while they work.  When we are done with chores, we eat lunch.  The kids take turns making it.  Then the kids go out and play for a half hour while I clean up and get everything set up for our stations.  The rest of the day consists of these stations and then some quiet reading time and read aloud time.  Stations consist of hands on manipulatives, math, reading, handwriting and draw and narrate.  They get a play/potty break after 4 rotations.  

Trifold boards to do "stations".  This way, they are not distracted by what the other person is doing or what is going on in  the room in general.  I also give the one I'm not working with at the time, headphones so they can't hear us, and will do their activity without wanting to come see what we are doing.  I work with one child at one station, while the other is at a station doing a work alone, hands on activity.  Usually, something like, matching words to objects.  Things like that.  We rotate around the table spending 15-20 minutes at each station.  I put this timer where both kids can see it.   So they know exactly how much time they have left.  It makes it easier for them to stay on task, knowing they are not going to be there forever.

Fidgets and a stability ball are also must haves.  When Jacob has something in his hands, it is easier for him to focus on what he is doing.  Same with the stability ball.  It's amazing how much better he pays attention when he is able to bounce.  
I also let the kids chew gum, drink water, and have snacks.  If I can see he just does not want to focus on something, I have him get up and do some jumping jacks.  Then have him come back and give it another try.  Some days, he just gets to the point where he's done and nothing I do is gonna get him to focus.  So, those are the days we get out our magic school bus, or whatever.

We've only just got started for the year, so it remains to be seen how long these tactics and tools will work.  I will keep you posted.  :)

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