The Laura C Method

Morning.

A few years ago, sometime during the first few weeks of school, a wonderful teacher I know was telling me about how exhausted she was. She puts so much energy into the first few weeks of school teaching the kids how to do things, reinforcing routine, and disciplining. The result of all that hard work was a well-oiled machine – a classroom with clear expectations, and a fun, safe environment for learning. I never forgot that, and watched other teachers through the years apply that as well.

So that’s what I’m trying to do with our homeschool. As tempting as it is to let some things slide, I am sticking to the rules. (Rules I made up, but whatever.) So far that has meant:

• Starting right at 9:00. Buns in seats with all materials, ready to learn.
• No breakfast at the homeschool table. They could have done that before school or can wait for snack.
• No, you can’t skip that one. We’ll figure it out together.
• Yes, we have to do math. Yes, we have to do Spanish.
• We learn until noon, sometimes a bit after.

But we are at home, and the whole idea is to enjoy our flexibility and do some things our way. So:

• Sure, let’s have hot chocolate.
• Of course you can wear your slippers at the table.
• Of course you can call me Mom.
• Yes, of course you can sit on my lap while we do math.
• Ooh, good idea. Let’s learn about Kwanzaa.

I’m also applying the Laura C method during our end of day cleanup. Naturally, I am taking advantage of the fact the kids are excited about homeschool and are listening to me, so in addition to clearing their desks, they’re learning to do more complicated chores around the house. This is an investment in sanity, my friends. They will never know how to fold a towel and put it away if I don’t show them, and eventually, I want them to be able to do it without any help at all. It’s also a good life skill, so I call it a win all around.

🙂 M