I know it's only March, but Spring is definitely in the air and summer vacation is only three months away. Every year for the last 7 years this is the time that I start preparing what is affectionately know in our home as,
"BRAINY HOMEWORK."
My poor children have a mother whose education is in "Education." I never got to use my teaching skills in a real classroom setting, so my kids are my students about three or four days out of the week during the summer. I know what you're thinking,
"Those poor Spurgeon kids have a real slave driver of a mother."
But they absolutely LOVE IT. They set a goal and work towards it. We have incentives and rewards.
I just returned from parent/teacher conferences so I now know my emphasis this summer. I now start gathering worksheets, workbooks, notebooks, planners and some sharp pencils for our summer of fun. We definitely don't miss out on the swimming, parks, movies or anything at all. There are a lot of hours in the day and my feeling is take about an hour and a half in the morning and do some reviews and a little head start on what's to come.
Elizabeth (going into 8th) is starting Geometry next year, so she'll be learning some things associated with that. She has a bunch of books on her reading list too.
Kenley (starting middle school) needs to practice her reading comprehension and multiplication and division of 3, 4 and 5 digit numbers.
Dallin (going into 4th grade) needs to memorize those multiplication facts and practice reading fluency.
Cameron (Kindergarten next year) will be practicing his lower case letter writing and 0-10 math skills.
Britton is going to perfect his animal sounds :)
I believe learning needs to continue throughout our lives. So, I too am going to be joining the Brainy Homework this summer. I am going to learn some new things and read up a storm: something I don't do enough of.
So, what do you think?
What's going to be your Brainy Homework?
20 comments:
I know You are excited about "Brainy Homework" mom but do you really have to post about what I need to work on in school?! And FYI I am doing fine in division. If you don't believe me just double check my report card.
-Kenley
Of course I don't mind you checking out my blog! I do it to all kinds of people! ha ha ha
Mattie called me and said to look at your new post. Isn't that hilarious in ways. Sad in other ways. She must have seen you do it. This is so funny because I hear about this brainy work all summer long. I think it is fantastic. I love how you connect the year end to the year start and they are ready to flow right into the classroom without summer withdrawls. What kind of brainy work do you have for middle-aged forgetful brain dead mothers? Think about that one for me Debie.
I think you should learn about gardening. I didn't answer the question right I was told.
great idea!!as a teacher i used to know stats about what percent of learning was lost over the summer. but now, my poor mommy brain cannot remember those numbers any more. but the idea is that you will go backwards if you don't keep going forwards. So, good for you (and your kids)
My brainy homework is going to be doing good in class and listening to the teacher. I have a goal to practice my division. I all ready have my multiplication down,so I don't need practice on that. I'm still going to practice on it just I have it down.
Debie while your kids are going to higher grades you should test them on harder learning.
Like Elizabeth shes going to 8th grade teach her stuff she needs to know in 8th grade.
Kenley is going into 6th grade teach her stuff she needs to know.
Dallin well I can teach him because I'm in 4th grade.
Cameron needs to know how to add. Thats a big thing in Kinder.
Britton doesn't need help except learning how to speak.
Well thats all you need to know.
Bye Bye.
What do I think? I think I'll send my kids over the the Spurgeons :)
That is so great. Every summer I am totally determined to do this...and then all the swimming and being lazy gets in the way. You have inspired me. Plus, I just got the 2nd grade list of spelling words, so that's a perfect place to start Macy to get ready for next year!
I love that Britton is going to be working on his animal sounds!
I will read this summer while I am sweating in the 115 degree heat.
Can I bring my kids over? Ha Ha- No, Really?
We do this too. It works great, the kids are focused, they read and write. I feel like such a good Mom. And then there's Tuesday...
Mattie: Sounds like you're offering to tutor Dallin. What time do I drop him off?
Terri: You're so funny. Good intentions have to count for something, right?
Good for you! I already have some things I want to work on with my kids too. I had big plans last summer, but unfortunately I didn't do a single thing "school-related" with them since I was feeling all yucky from being pregnant. Hopefully this summer will be better.
I'm glad you had a fun trip. It was fun reading about it. I would love to go there someday.
Brainy homework is great. Today I will start planning my brainy homework for the summer. I think it might include brushing up on my animal sounds.
I started off last year with good intentions of having Tyler continue doing some things during the summer. It didn't last too long, but I got a lot of ideas from his teacher this week, and I'm excited to keep him working too. I don't know how long that motivation will last, but it's a desire that's for sure.
I love it! What lucky kids to have you for a mother!
My brainy homework needs to be getting some reading in! I love to read, but I never let myself take a break to do it. I have been reading "The Other Boleyn Girl" for weeks on end now but I am only on page 200. I read a page here and a page there....making for a very slow read.
This is a great idea and reminds me of a quote I heard attributed to President Naef. He said, "Every child should be homeschooled...when they get home from school." Very profound I think.
Do you have summer sign ups for three extra kids?
Hey. Mom maybe you should teach a summer day camp. It would be kinda fun. And plus I can help you. I mean there is so many peole wanting to come over to our house for brainy homework why not? I know that might be to much for you to handle but maybe you could do it once a week. I would be fun. Me, Elizabeth, dallin, and daddy would be like tutors. I am willing to do grades K-4th.
Last one was from Kenley.
-Kenley
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