Sometimes I like to go back and read posts on my blog from when the kids were younger, because otherwise I'd forget what was going on when Christian was one and Ansley was four. Or, what we did last week. As I was reading, I noticed I used to do "typical day" kind of posts, and while they may or may not be interesting to anyone else, I was quite fascinated to read about how we spent our days three years ago, or even a year ago, and see how much has changed. And I thought it was time for another one, but this one will be school related. It's interesting to me to see how our routine has changed over time. For instance, when Ansley was in Kindergarten, we did school in the afternoon while Christian napped. My, how things have changed!
We start our mornings at the crack of nine o'clock-ish these days. This used to be earlier, but that was in my pre-pregnancy state. Pregnancy Stage calls for a later hour, and I have a feeling Newborn Baby Stage might also call loudly for that later hour. Some days that may be 9:30....but never earlier than that.
Most days we are all dressed, but some days that's optional. Optional to pajamas, I mean, we never have naked school days. There were many days when the teacher had morning sickness and she would show up in pj's to teach, so every so often I let the kids get away with it, too.
Our days always start with reading a Bible story (although lately that has turned into two or three!), discussing it, sharing prayer requests and then prayer to start our day.
Both kids are very involved at this point. They love this part of the day. We record our prayer requests in that journal underneath the Bible, because I think it is neat to see how God answers them, and to see how the requests change over time. This may be a time where a child opens up about something that is bothering them, or a question they have or something they have been thinking about. We are unhurried. There is nothing more pressing in that moment than to hear what is on my child's heart. And to give you an idea, this morning Christian said he thought we should pray for the girl he would one day marry. But he did inform me that "he hasn't picked her out yet." Good to know. And this isn't something we really discuss much, so it seemed to come from nowhere, but obviously it's something he has been thinking about. Ansley shared that sometimes she gets scared in the middle of the night, and she wanted to pray for a healthy baby.
I always let Ansley choose what she wants to start with, because I think this sets a happy mood to start our day with. Usually. But I can say, she ALWAYS chooses reading. And she would read for hours if I didn't say okay, that's enough for now, we need to move on to something else.
Christian caught on to my documenting plan very early. He sometimes listens to Ansley read and sometimes he doesn't, but he is usually quiet and plays on the floor if he doesn't want to sit next to her and listen.
Next up is Writing. Ansley almost always chooses that next, because it's her second favorite thing. She has been keeping a journal lately, and loves to write down and record things. I think that will be SO fun to go back and see what was important in her seven-year old world.
She loves writing.
Christian has various activities, and some days one activity will keep him so occupied that we can get several things done. Other days, like today, I go through many activities. We started with a math game.
He seems to have a thing for numbers. So much like his Mama.
Then, when the apples and numbers start appearing on the floor, we are forced to move on to letters. He is not as into letters, but he tolerates it.
And, I must point out, today my kids were apparently DYING OF THIRST. I didn't realize that they were wasting away because they were not getting enough to drink. Every five minutes, someone's cry of "I'm thirsty!" would break into all the learning, and we'd stop and get the drink and then resume. Finally I got the bright idea of just filling their thermoses with water and bringing them into the school room. It sounded like a genius plan, but the sucking and slurping and CONSTANTNESS of the drinking almost drove me to insanity. So we nipped that in the bud.
It did get me thinking, though, about how when I was in school and I would go all day, from what 7:30 am to 3:30 pm with one little pouch Capri Sun to get me through the day. It's a miracle that I survived, really. So I had to share that story. I felt so grandparent-like. I just needed to throw in how I had to walk to school in the snow with no shoes. But they know I grew up in the South and there was never any snow.
Then we had to take a break because of the unquenchableness of this thirst. It was really starting to get to me. So I decided they needed some activity, to show them what thirst really is. You don't really get thirsty just sitting at a table writing.
They each picked three of these, and then they were running around the house, acting like animals or standing on one leg or counting to 20 while doing jumping jacks.
It was a good break. And I think I burned like 100 calories just watching them. Which I'm pretty sure also made up for the Krispy Kremes I had for breakfast.
Oh Krispy Kreme! How I adore you.
But back to school. Ansley loves the check list, and will check things off after each subject. She likes to know what she's accomplished and what is left in the day.
Next up is Phonics. Ansley is very good at phonics, so this usually goes smoothly. Today was a test, so that usually means it goes faster than if there was something to teach. You've probably noticed that I've thrown in a lot of "usually's" because really, each day is different. Some days things go just as planned and some days they go horribly wrong.
She got a 94. Yay!
But because I wouldn't let Christian play in the art cabinet while Ansley was taking her test, he announced that he was running away with Jar Jar Binks and never coming back. If you are not familiar with Jar Jar, you really need to have a Star Wars marathon.
I told Christian we would miss him.
Then it was time for a lunch break. I'm pretty sure this is the only reason Christian did not run off with Jar Jar.
What? Where did all that Chick Fil A stuff come from?
Oh, right, from my addiction.
Some days fixing lunch just doesn't appeal to me. Today was one of those days. But also going in a restaurant and sitting down and eating doesn't appeal to me either. So we zoom through the drive thru and then bring it home. It makes for a nice lunch.
After lunch we read some books and have a little play / break time. Ansley and I review some math facts and play a spelling game with her spelling words for the week. Christian runs around like a crazy boy.
Then we crank it back up with Math. Today was a math test. Usually there aren't two tests in one day, but our schedule must've gotten a little off somehow. She doesn't mind.
Sometimes, apparently, it's hard to concentrate on math when your brother is saying things like "May the force be with you!" and "Roger! Roger!" But other days, it's wildly funny. Today was a wildly funny day, and Ansley was having trouble concentrating on her test because she was giggling so much at her brother. So I have to ask Christian to be very quiet while Ansley takes her test.
So then he starts loudly whispering "Help me Obi Wan Kenobe, you're my only hope!"and then some deep breathing followed by "I AM YOUR FATHER!"
And Ansley just falls on the floor with laughter.
On another day, she may angrily shout "I can't CONCENTRATE when he's being so LOUD!" You never really know.
Have I mentioned Christian is a bit obsessed with Star Wars?
But in the end, Ansley gets a 98 on her test, so she was obviously able to tune out all the Star Wars madness.
She missed the VERY LAST question on the back side. ARGH, she said. SO close to a 100!
Then it's time for history, which is all about the founding of America in our curriculum. And, just like starting our day, both of the kids are very interested in this part, and ask lots of questions about pilgrims and Indians and Washington DC.
And then my little list maker checks all of the subjects off, and then erases and re-writes them for the next day.
And that is pretty much a "typical" day in our life. Usually. Sometimes.
HOLY COW this is long, so if you are still with me, you really deserve something chocolatey and yummy.
I think that's on my to-do list right now. Check!
Megan, I can relate to SO MUCH of this post! I was laughing out loud at Christian's constant Star Wars interpretations while Ansley was trying to concentrate. It really does depend on the day, doesn't it? Ella Beth is either right there screaming or right there laughing. One can never predict!
We have the same children's Bible...isn't it just amazingly written? We also have Jesus Calling - 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young. It is great, too. And, (I think I'm on an endorsement kick or something...) her adult version of Jesus Calling is wonderful - I think you'd really like it! Thanks for sharing the idea of keeping a journal of the kiddos' prayer requests. I had not thought of starting it this young, but I know Ella Beth would have things on her heart to share - and of course Landon would share whatever is on his mind. ;)
Keep the typical day posts coming. I have one coming up, too. OH! I'm ready and waiting for my something chocolatey and yummy. :)
Posted by: Amber | January 31, 2011 at 07:33 PM
I really enjoyed "A Day in the Life of the Greiners" especially since some of it looks a bit like my day with the same 2nd grade ABeka materials. :) I really like the prayer request journal idea. I have my own journal and sometimes I take requests from them, but I don't record theirs. Where did you find the "run around the house" cards? Thinking about you yesterday on Feb. 1st that Avery arrives THIS month!!!
Posted by: Renee | February 02, 2011 at 05:34 PM