Keep on Rollin’ Through Your School Day!
“Let’s roll!“ Oh my, how often I’ve heard my sons say that! This favorite phrase comes from Lisa Beamer’s inspirational book that Heart of Dakota carries. However, it’s more than just a phrase – it’s almost an anthem for boys and homeschooling!
The older I’ve gotten, the more I realize the need to keep my sons rollin’ through their school days. In my early years of teaching, I stretched out each subject by talking about this or that connection.
As my sons got older and as I was teaching more subjects, I realized I was enjoying these lingering connections much more than they were! They still perceived all of my deeply meaningful connections as “school”… no matter how full of depth they were.
Boys Like to “Roll” Through Their School Day
Especially if you have boys, it may help you to realize that most boys take great pleasure in getting things done. If they have no idea how long a task (or school subject) may stretch on, they may quickly lose the gumption to finish. With this thought in mind, anything extra you add to their day truly may not be appreciated… no matter how meaningful you think it is!
Not to mention, adding extras to the day means adding time to the day. And at 5 o’clock when it’s time to make supper, and we’re still doing school because of all my additions and “meaningful connections” – no one is happy! Including me.
A “Let’s Roll” Day
So, what does a “Let’s Roll” day look like? Well, I do only what is in each box of the Heart of Dakota guide. It is freeing, not confining! At the end of each box, I wrap it up by reading aloud each key idea. I save lingering or sharing deeper connections for our Bible Study, devotionals, or character discussions. This leaves free-time for my sons to pursue the fun extras for their free time!
The result? My sons are happier. We finish earlier, and I get supper to the table on time. Hubby has a “let’s roll” attitude too, so this is a win-win situation!
Looking at your day, is it possible you are lingering too much and lengthening your day so it’s a “let’s crawl” day? If so, ask yourself how much your children enjoy the longer days. Do the extras leave them too worn out to finish needed subjects in the HOD guide? If so, try a “Let’s Roll” day and see what you think. You may find everyone is happier and finishing earlier!
In Christ,
Julie
