Homeschooling Boys

Before having children, I was an elementary teacher.  I loved teaching in the classroom and I loved my students.  Fast forward many years to me being a mom and teaching… not in a standard classroom… but in my own home…  more precisely my messy, cluttered, small kitchen.

When I taught in a standard classroom, It was obvious that boys and girls learned differently.  It was obvious that each child had their own strengths and weaknesses on their personal learning style.  Every child is different.  Using this knowledge to teach my own children is helpful… but still a challenge.

Homeschooling my three boys, 2nd grade, kindergarten and preschool, is an adventure.  It is not quiet.  It is not peaceful.  It is not as many lovely homeschool blogs make it appear to be.  It is hard.  It is loud.  It is messy.

I find that going with the flow of their groove is the easiest.  For example, this morning all three boys decided to do all their table work (and computer) while standing up.  Even after much prompting (and asking nicely) to sit down or to sit still.

The stand.  They bounce.  They wiggle.  They jiggle.  They dance.  They hop.  They sing.  They shout.  They talk.  They hum.

Even amidst the loud noises and wild jerky movements… they are learning.

Boys are fun.  Boys are different than girls.  My boys require movement and noise to do their best.  Who knew?

Who knew that TODAY it was standing school only.  Sitting was optional.

What an adventure.  Homeschooling boys is a wild ride.  Some days awesome… some days not so awesome.  But it is a wild ride I wouldn’t change for anything.