As I was perusing Facebook yesterday morning I stumbled across a feed that I "liked" and it said "free chore chart at blah blah blah website." Hmmm...I have been tinkering with chore charts on and off for almost a year with Connor. I made one on an word document, would print it out and then Connor would get a sticker for each chore (or behavior). The problem ended up being that Connor wanted to wear the stickers instead of placing them in the appropriate square or I would be lazy and forget to print it off...so the chore chart really became more of a hassle for us than teaching Connor good manners and responsibilities around the house.
I decided to click on the link and check out this "free" chore chart. Sure enough, a free chore chart that is AWESOME! On a side note, I have been eyeing the Melissa & Doug Chore Chart for months and don't get end up getting it because it only functions for 1 child. This new chore chart- I can put as many kids on there as I want (including Mommy and Daddy!!) It will take a little bit of work to get it all put together, but I love the idea behind what this particular mom is doing.
Actually, I love the ideas she is doing so much, I started researching home schooling. Now, let me clarify that I have no intention or desire to homeschool my kids. I am not equipped with the knowledge base or patient enough to want to homeschool my kids. However, as the child of an educator, I am passionate about finding "teaching" moments constantly. Always trying to develop in Connor (and eventually Alaina) a deep yearing to learn, to discover and to provide them with a desire to soak up everything they are being taught. Connor is more than half-way through the school year and I am stunned at everything his little sponge of a brain absorbs and retains. The things that come out of his mouth shock me; not because they are bad or off-color but because they sound more like things coming out of grown-up's mouths than a 2-year-olds. I love that he is learning his ABC's. Not just the song, but the actual letters and is capable of telling you the sound each letter (through "o") makes. But it makes me wonder about what I am doing here at home with him. Studies have proven that this is age where kids will learn more than they ever will in their entire lifetime. The brain is able to, like I said, sponge up more information in these few short years than it will the rest of their lives. Can I encourage and reinforce more than what he is learning at school? Wasn't that part of the job description I signed up for when making the choice to be a stay-at-home mom?
So here I am, knees deep, in the abundance of information available to stay-at-home moms/homeschooling moms. I have found a treasure trove of resources to help my children in fun, creative, inventive ways continue to learn and I couldn't be more thrilled. I need to sift through all the stuff I have found, but for the remainder of the school year, we are going to focus on colors, shapes, and numbers. I think the first thing we are going to try is reinforcement of Brown Bear, Brown Bear (one of Connor's favorites) and work from there. I will keep you updated and let you know how it goes!
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