Our "plan" in homeschooling is to school from Jan-Oct. Between then and Jan 1, we have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas (very big deal in our family), New Year's, and three birthdays. But, this year, this past week, something has come up. Our family is facing a health crisis for one of my younger children. As a result, in the past week, we've been to a new doctor, been to an MRI, and spent HOURS at home waiting for phone calls. I think the disruption will escalate once they are able to start treatment - next week, we have another exam Mon am (at 7:30) and a day surgery on Thurs (at 7 AM - no clue how long we'll be there). So far, all the children have come to everything together, and it has been a real help, I think, to my son to have his brothers there. He is much more accepting of everything that is happening and seems to feel much safer. So, as long as it is feasible, DH and I have decided to bring them along (wherever). But, those waiting hours (at home and elsewhere) can get looooooong. So, I am thinking about pulling out next year's lessons early for my oldest (whose health is fine). Also, my child with the health issues has been learning to read. Since we're doing a CM approach, it's pretty easy to bring most stuff along (no nature walks in the hospital, tho). On one hand, I think it will give them something to focus on (and stories to listen to). On the other hand, I don't want to add any pressure (to them or me). DH & I think fairly soon he will realize how serious the situation is. Right now they don't - since there is no pain or and are no overt outward symptoms, it isn't as if anyone is "sick." What do you think? Should I stick with arts/crafts, coloring, and videos (videos are what the medical places primarily seem to offer), or should we include activities hat require a more directed attention? TIA
I think it is a great idea. Any gentle and relaxing activities will probably be welcomed. Being at hospitals or doctors for long periods of time can be very stressful and exhausting for everyone. Maybe look at it as a headstart and don't make any plans about reaching any specific milestones. Whatever gets accomplished great - otherwise focus on the health of your child and your family.
I would bring it along..... maybe coloring pages to go along with the books? I did that with my dd and she loved listening to the fairy tales while coloring a picture about it. Audiobooks would be good as well. Small distractions will help I think - just because of the time sitting in a hospital. Thoughts are with your family
I say do what you can and modify what you can to fit your lifestyle as it will be. I'm sure most hospitals and doctor's will try to accommodate you the best they can since when things are as serious as they sound most people realize that families do what they can when they can. Good luck, and I hope your son feels better soon.
We are very laid back about when we do things. I want certain things done by a certain date or time, but, it is nice when it is done early.
Absolutely bring it along. Sure, they can do worksheets while waiting at the doctor's, or listen to you read, or whatever. Just remember that this is a stressful time, and don't put any additional stress on yourself if things aren't accomplished as much as you like. During times of serious illness, families pull together. That's the main thing you'll be teaching your kids. If you find a day when things are going well and you're all home, THEN you can put aside the worksheets and get out the "fun", crafty stuff.
Eyeofthestorm - I think bringing activities is a great idea. You could keep it light, fun and simple as needed, since it doesn't have to be a "scheduled" school day. You'll be able to tell what they need and how they need it. Direct attention with your kids during this time will help them and you get through this. It can keep the mind off of the "what if"-s My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please keep us updated on how things go as you are able. ((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))
Another option might be doing a unit study related to your situation--health, the medical field, etc. That would give you something engaging to do without the pressure of "regular" schoolwork. It sounds to me like you're taking a neat field trip! A couple of websites that might help: http://kidshealth.org/kid/ http://www.brainpop.com/
I think it is an awesome idea to do school work. Maybe you could put it in a roll along suitcase so it is easily put away when not needed and can be carried easily. My best wishes to you with your ill child and at this trying time BeckyB
Thanks for the thoughts. I am gathering things now. The first of at least two surgeries is scheduled Thurs morning...we could be there half the day or longer...we'll see how it goes. I was thinking - my oldest is pretty mesmerized by the TV (which isn't on during the day here) and the other large toys in the waiting room. However, I think the novelty will wear off and it will be good to have so other things to do.
A few years ago, my dh's father was diagnosed with liver cancer and given 4 months to live. He actually lived for another year and a half (Thanks be to GOD), but for most of that final year, it was all about helping my in laws and spending time with Papa. For all the details I blogged about it on one of my pages ( you might have to dig for it on the familyd.50megs site, but it is there). However, I was crying on the phone to a homeschooling friend who was about 15 years older than I and had more life experience. After explaining how miserable I felt about how our school year ended and it seemed like we learned NOTHING that year, she gave me the most sage advice. She said, "It sounds like your son learned to love reading and how to care for those he loves. I think he learned a lot." Sometimes we put too much emphasis on the things that don't matter. Did you know that in the 17-1800s kids recieved about 3 years of elementary school, then started high school at age 12, and began college at age 16? Yes, there might be a bit more to learn nowadays, but were those men any less intelligent as a result? (some would say there were much brighter than 99% of kids today!) If you miss a few weeks, a few month, or even a few year, would you rather be saying "Darn, we didn't get a chance to study Rome!" or "Darn, we didn't get to play in the rain!" I know which I would choose. We would forgo ever studying Rome for one more day in the rain with Papa.
I haven't read through the answers, but I would take some work along, as they said things to keep kids busy. Plus yes I will say it, it looks good to see home schooled kids working in public places. So the kids will get lots of good attention, when people see them sitting and reading or sitting and doing ( not sure your kidos ages) math or whatever color pages, map coloring even? Then they will comment and you will see some good come from this trying time. I agree with the one who said to think of it as a jump start, you never know what will happen as a result of your child's health issue in days in January, maybe you will need to take some breaks then instead? Call it trading a day? My prayers will be going up for you and your child, and the rest of the family!
I would definitely take items along. It would be a way to feel productive, too, and take away some of that frustrating "out of control" feeling that you get when you have to wait for long periods of time at hospitals. When we went through this with my father in the hospital, I had only one child old enough to do actual schooling, so we took along a laptop and had him do the "Time4Learning" site while at the hospital. He loved it and we both felt good that we were actually accomplishing something during the long periods of waiting. Good Luck. Judy
