Friday, June 17, 2011

Stress- Free Summer 1

Even though I haven't taught formally in a classroom since the early beginning of last school year, I still consider myself a teacher and run on teacher-time. That means summer is supposed to be laid back and stress free. No meetings to attend, no IEPs to write, no classroom set-up to configure- just relaxation. Well...with two young children in the house and a 10 year-old Texan on his way soon, that simply is not my reality! Plus? I don't do too well on relaxed and casual schedules. Part of what I loved about teaching (aside from getting to hang out with sweet kids everyday) was the order and structure of the classroom environment. I am a firm believer that structure and organization are the best components and most necessary ingredients to a successful classroom environment. Not because it keeps children under control and in a box, but very conversely, because it gives children the freedom to learn, roam, express themselves, try new things- all in an environment that is predictable (like- they know where to find pencils and paper each day), clutter free and prepared to accommodate their learning whims!

So...if I were to transfer that philosophy to my own home which is my children's classroom, well, then, I've got some work to do!

I fought to be organized in my classroom, and it is the same fight at home! I am the walking, living breathing definition of a scatter brain. I forget where my keys are constantly, always put things away in a different place and never know where my cell phone is. I see very clearly how this affects me day to day, especially how much time I spend looking and re-looking for things each day. And I wonder how a mixed-up, non-organized environment may affect my children as well as their organization skills down the road.

So, this "relaxing and stress free summer" is going to be about getting my home organized and in good working condition for me, my husband and my kids by August which is when our first homeschool year officially starts! And of course I will go about it in true teacher fashion and draw up "classroom plans" of how I want things to look and then I will implement my plans. I may also use a few websites I've found that may be helpful in assisting this effort, that I will highlight this summer.

I'm hoping to take pictures of each area I change, before and after shots, to involve you in keeping me accountable, so stayed tuned!

Also to come? A cute little plan I modified to avoid hearing this phrase, "I'm bored. There's nothing to do!" from the 10-year-old all summer long! :)

1 comment:

  1. Good luck with that. When your Texan gets here maybe we could meet at the pool. Between the two of them, Faith and Hayden should be able to match his energy. :)

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