I wrote an entry yesterday and when I tried to post it, well cyberspace got another victim. It was time for school to get started and since I am trying to be more timely and efficient I decided to wait until this morning to try again.

 I have been reading the book Five Love Languages of Children  and it has been an eye-opener and a blessing. I had read Chapman's original book many years ago and really liked it.I have discovered that you can still learn things even if you have studied that subject before!  I learned from this 2nd reading that our son's love language has changed! As a young child, his language was touch. Now that he is entering his tween years , his love language is quality time. This really helped me understand some issues we have had lately.

 One of the things happening during school is that I was trying to foster a more independent working atmosphere. My goal was to get B doing more of his work on his own. (I have to tell you this had a selfish motive also, I knew I could be doing the things I like to do instead of sitting there!) What I realized from this reading, was B was seeing this as a punishment, not a help.This was not at all what I wanted to happen. So, since we have started back up in January, I sit beside him at the table for certain subjects like spelling and grammar. I was sitting for math but we decided together that wasn't necessary. The key here was we decided together. Things are moving a lot smoother and faster.

 The other thing I have learned from my reading is I need to schedule quality time with B that's not school related. I had fallen into the routine that since we were together all day that in the evenings B and his dad could have their time.( Again, I have to confess a selfish attitude here, I wanted my own time!) I now try and have some time to do something out of the ordinary with B once a week. This may be as simple as walking the block (remember I have allergies, so walking outside has to be carefully planned).

 School time has become more relaxed and enjoyable around here again. I have learned that even the teacher needs to be willing to grow and change! Isn't that what I'm wanting to teach B? That there is always something to learn and we are never too old to be taught!

Be blessed!

Posted by socalval

I am slow in getting around today - I did want to say hello. Hope you are having a great day.

Valerie
ps: I love your banner

Posted by Daisy

Great post! Thanks to you, I'm checking this book out!