I would say that this is the number one activity around our house lately. We read in bed in the morning, during the day at some point, and at night again. I would say that our average for the day is between 1.5 to 2 hrs. Laura has started to read to us too. It is very exciting to see her tackle a story never seen before. Today she insisted in doing "worksheets" after she read. She is very comfortable with the work format used at school. I prepared some reading comprehension questions, rhyming words and blended consonant exercises based on the reading. She was as happy as pie.
Today the Educational Specialist (ES) dropped by with an enormous amount of reading, social studies and science materials for us to consider using. They are mostly the same materials used in the school that Laura attended so she was very excited to see the familiar faces of the books and workbooks for K and 1st grade (She was in a K/1 combo class).
We just found out about an intro to Biology/Anatomy class where the students will be dissecting a squid, a grasshopper, a sheep's eye and putting together and owl pellet. She wants to do it very badly (funny, for a self admitted science hater, because of "all those long names of things"). I think it will be tons of fun!
I would say that my biggest challenge thus far has been getting Laura used to the idea that she won't be paid "home school dollars" for doing her work, as they did at the public school where she attended. I assure her that her prize is doing a job well done and being able to go to any museum she wants any day that she wants to.
"But you have to be the teacher! We are homeschooling!"
Laura wants me to grade her work, which to me (of course), is near perfection for a child her age. I have explained to her that I am not her teacher but rather a facilitator, an aide to help her in her learning process. I ask if she would like to know the correct spelling of words (many times she says no or checks against a book or the dictionary herself), or if she would like to check her numbers in math. I make sure she has any materials she might need for whatever project she has at hand. I read to her, I explain the meaning of words and concepts. I help her look for the answers to her questions and I drive her to the places where she wants to be.
I know that she is learning every moment from the environment and people around her, including me. Still, I do not see myself as being her "teacher" as it is in the traditional school setting. Nor do I want to be. Some teachers are fantastic, some leave much to be desired. I don't want to be either one. JB and I are her #1 fans, supporters and facilitators. That's the way I see it. We are leaving the "teaching" to her intrinsic thirst for exploration, discovery and understanding. We know that she is a superb student of life based on our criteria.
So... who is the teacher here?
