A few days back before it became cold and wet, my girls were antsy.  School was a chore because they just couldn't seem to concentrate.  After wading through the essentials, I sent the Kindergartener out with the toddler to play in the back yard.  We can see them very easily through the school room windows and we leave the back door open.  This ignited a struggle with Allison,my oldest, staring out at them, calling instructions on how they should do this or that, being interrrupted so she could excuse herself to give them just the right "thingy" to use, etc. 

Finally I gave up and told her to take 30 minutes and go out with them to play.  She immediately jumped at the chance!  She changed into her "Laura Ingalls Wilder" dress and called them in to do the same.  They set up a wash tub, gathered  various towels/scraps/rags scattered throughout the yard left lying around from other adventures, and turned on the water!    Allison brought out a bar of authentic lye soap acquired from a local historical village and the "wash day" commenced!

I realized they were deeply immersed in learning history through historical reenactment, learning logic/critical thinking/problem solving by figuring out how to install a fully functional clothesline, and physical exertion by hand washing, stirring, and rinsing the laundry, not to mention wringing it out before hanging it to dry.  To top it all off, they got along better than they had in days so I will call that a lesson in civility.

Those days are so precious and my hope is that some day I'll learn to more readily give up my regimented school schedule and let more real life learning happen!  When will I learn to fully embrace these unforgettable moments and let go of my dependency upon the schedule and checklist?  I'm praying for more opportunities to exchange my "watch tapping" attitude for an attitude in "toe tapping" as I enjoy their whistling while washing in the backyard washtub! :-)

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Posted by EEEEMommy

I came across your weblog via the Random Blogger button and this entry was a very timely illustration of the value of play which Cindy Rushton was emphasizing in her on-line workshop about making home learning fun. I had just finished listening to her talk before reading your blog.

What a good reminder and encouragement!

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Posted by Anonymous

I have been tired of my impulse to watch the clock while home educating my children. You can take the girl out of school, but not the school out of the girl it seems, in my case! Your lovely post almost had me weeping with gratitude and recognition. When I get to the tough points tommorrow I will breathe deeply, remember the vivid inspiration of your post and follow my heart with my children instead of 'the rules'.

elderfairy.blogspot.com home educating mum of three.

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Posted by allisalley

Good to see you!! I got worried there for a bit. Everytime I tried to visit your blog (for about 2 days) there was an error message saying this wasn't an active blog!

I will write more later. Been super busy. Just wanted to say "Hi" :).

I will also be praying for your daughter Lillian (almost like my daughter's name, Jillian. I also have the same name as your oldest daughter, Allison). Please keep us updated on her MRI.

Hugs & Blessings

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Posted by Testimony

Just random blogging!

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Posted by allisalley

Where are you??? How is Lillian?

Hugs & Blessings
Alli

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