May. 5, 2008 - The games they play...

The boys have officially begun their summer "break" but please don't tell them yet.   We have hit our 180 days that the state requires that I teach them, but somehow I don't know how to stop being available to answer questions or encouraging imaginative play. It really is hard to draw a line between my role as Mom and as Teacher. 

 I think all moms have a duty to teach their children. Most moms take the time to tell a preschooler what color their shirt is, count out the goldfish at snack time, or teach them to share.  That is all learning! As they get older you have them help you estimate how much the grocery bill will be, how to make a budget, or how to find books on Mustangs at the library.  I just happen to make it my fulltime mission to educate my kids at home.  Proverbs 22:6 says it is our responsibility as Christian parents. 

  Today the boys played chess for over an hour.  John taught them almost two years ago and at 7 and 9 years old they really know how to play. 

I found this article that sums up why we encourage chess playing in lieu of math worksheets...

chess improves abilities in reasoning, comprehension, concentration, reading, persistence, planning, logic, problem solving, patience, decision-making, objectivity, math, self-control, commitment, and thinking development

 Christine