The Only Mushy Brain Around Here is Mine

We had our second successful "home school" day today.  It is my impression that home schooling one's children is quite common in households as passionate about homesteading as we are, but it is something I am in no way interested in.  I have no illusions about being any sort of teacher of little children.  Furthermore, our boys attend an excellent school and have exceptional teachers.

But they also have creative, inquisitive minds that are always working and difficult to keep busy.  And three weeks is a long time with no academic stimulation when they have been working so hard and making such progress learning French, mathematics and reading.

So, I suggested that the three of us might draft a "home school" schedule to follow on the week days to give our days some structure and to keep their brains from turning to mush.  The boys were quite enthusiastic to incorporate the parts of their day at "real school" into our "home school" agenda.

Seamus was firm on two recreations (recesses), a repose (nap) and plentiful playtime.  Liam proposed reading time and math.  They both wanted dance and lots of snacks.  I offered to help them practice some of the things I typically do to keep the homestead running (e.g. making bread, baking and cooking, plant care, animal chores, housekeeping).  They were amenable to this.

And so, Gael Glen Home School was born.  Enrolment: two boys and a baby.  Teacher: a highly unqualified but well meaning doctor of philosophy and mama.  This should be fun.

Liam is very good at telling the time so he keeps us right on schedule.  Seamus' attention span is short but he is very enthusiastic and somewhat obedient (sometimes, when he feels like it).  It is going well so far but boy, by the end of the day my brain is mush.  I love my boys and enjoy seeing them learn but I sure hope that three weeks does not turn into five months.  Just saying.

One of today's creative pursuits was making homemade play doh.