08.06.2008 5:01 pm
The back-to-school countdown
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
In as little FOUR days, some area children will be returning to school. (The Ritneour School District is open for business Aug. 11). Others have to wait as long as Aug. 25, which means another 18 days.
I have early-school-opening envy. By mid-August, we’ve run out of camps, the weather stinks and everyone is bored of being home all day long. I’m searching for things to do with the kids and came across this list on the Wondertime site, which has recommendation for things to do if you have an hour, a day or weekend free.
I’m not feeling too ambitious these days, so the only thing from the lists we may actually do involves painting some rocks. Feel free to check it out and report back any activites that make the days go by a little quicker!
Aisha covered education and breaking news for nearly ten years before joining the Lifestyle staff where she writes a "Dirty Laundry" parenting column. She is the home and family editor and wastes too much time on Facebook and political blogs. 
I just picked up a freebie at a garage sale. It is little letters that are typed up the girl said I should send on the first day. I love the idea. My husband pastors a local church and we try to read something every morning. The product is called Devotionables, and I think I will buy it.
I remember my mother sending notes in my lunch box. It only happened maybe twice, but it made my day. Lunchbox notes are that something extra.
My little guy is going to start school in two weeks (he’s been in a really good pre-school so I think the change will be bigger for me than for him).
We’ve been doing the school shopping and going over the school rules, etc.
Today was a rare slow day for us, so we decided to do something we hadn’t done in quite awhile… we just went down to the water’s edge to feed the ducks… (or geese, whatever they are).
That’s just some good simple fun that didn’t cost us anything but a half a loaf of stale bread.
I was always so sad to see my children leave for school each fall. I loved having them home and didn’t understand all those parents who were so anxious to get rid of their kids. So, now we homeschool and I get to spend lots of wonderful, quality time with my kids. We share life and learning together. I get to see their eyes light up when they learn something or hear the laughter when we go on a field trip, do experiments or just read a book together. Most of all, I get to share in my kids lives and am their biggest influence. I know my kids are safe and who better than a parent to want their children to be successful. We don’t always have to be busy with camps and activities either. We enjoy just bumming together too. I realize homeschooling is not for everyone and I respect others decisions but if you are a parent who loves spending time with your children and being involved in their lives, then give it a try.
To all the kids going back to school and their parents, whether private school, public school or homeschooling, best wishes on a successful year.
I’m in the Ritenour district and can’t believe the kiddies are already at school for the year. But, it makes sense if you want to end the semester by winter break (meaning take semester exams for the upper schools). I am especially sad that the public school is closed during the day now–hey, I can still go!
Oh well.
To Tracy or other homeschoolers. I always wondered: Do you follow a traditional school schedule? Or, does homeschooling happen year round? I think if I were to homeschool (any of my friends can quit laughing now), I would opt to do year round.
To suzyjax: Yes, we follow a typical school schedule. . . . sort of. We take the summer off from formal schooling; however, we still go on field trips and read. We have realized that every day is a learning experience. We have the formal schooling but show real life examples in daily life (e.g. grocery shopping and math or one of our favorites is Barnes and Noble and discounts - 20% off of $4.99 is what?). This helps the kids understand why they need to learn this stuff. While we try to follow the typical school schedule, we also have the flexibility to take off when an important event happens, such as having a new baby. We are able to get alot of schoolwork done in a matter of hours that it takes a public school a week or more to accomplish. I’ve read that 6 hours of tutoring is equal to 1 week of school and that number is often less. My kids were in public school and I volunteered daily and there’s so much wasted time in public school waiting in line, switching classes, disruptive students, etc. My kids are able to use that time to further their interests. I also used to spend so much money for school stuff (book fees, school supplies, fundraisers, class treats and so on) and now I spend less on their school books each year than I spent at public school and this stuff is for MY kids.
I’m sorry for rambling. I’m just so excited with what I do and love to share it. It takes alot of time and commitment to homeschool so all of us need a break, whether summer break or throughout the school year. Each family gets to decide the schedule that works best for their family and individual children. All the best to you and yours!