May. 13, 2008 - Is it just me?
Or does everyone else out there have a hard time focusing on "school" in May.
I find that each year, we don't so much complete our school as peter out with the traditional academics in favor of real life. Seatwork is fine when the weather is cruddy, but when it gets sunny, it seems to me to be the time to be out of doors.
I know it all counts. And I know that the outdoor adventures are what they will remember. And by May, I am so sick to death of "school" that I don't even feel particularly guilty in abandoning the routine.
Am I unique in this? I don't think so, but I'd like to hear what the rest of you do as the school year winds down. How is school in May different than, say, school in October for you?
Blessings, Holly
Comments
May. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 2boysmom
We feel the same way. Here's what's different in my house in May: I substitute the Math pages for Math tapes, math games, etc. I told my son (3rd gr.) to pick a topic (he picked animals) and I gave him 5 names of animals as his spelling words. I've let him watch a few more videos (educational) in place of history. Just replaced the schooly stuff for more interesting stuff.
With my highschooler I did something structured yet a little freeing. I took a blank calendar page and numbered the month of May on there. I then wrote out all of his assignments that needed to be finished by the end of May. I told him he could work as fast as he wanted in any subject. Last week he finished his Health course (so no more health) then yesterday he finished all of his math assignments (so no more math). Now he only has a few subjects left and he'll probably be finished with those before the end of the month.
Since he has fewer subjects I'm letting him sleep a little later (wonderful for teens) and our routine is a little more relaxed - kind of like a wind-down before the laziness of summer hits us.
May. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Arby
Nope. It's not just you. We lose a lot of momentum in May. We also have an open ended completion time. We complete work until each curriculum ends, so each subject is over at a different time.
