Going with the flow...

Days like tomorrow are one of the reasons that homeschooling appeals to me. We are taking a spur of the moment trip to the arboretum. It is supposed to be beautiful out and, best thing: Friday is a FREE DAY!

Rock on.

This flexibility is something I had back when the boys were little, but had lost a bit due to the scheduling of public school. I adore the fact that we are going to enjoy a little nature and fresh air. I love that the kids will get lots of exercise while having a blast. The math can wait. Monday will still come and the problems will get done then. But Friday is calling to us... All of those newly budding trees and interactive exhibits!
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I did find a way to "encourage" Evan to get his paperwork done without the arguments. Now, before I tell you, just remember not to judge until you've been where I am, ok? Also remember that the idea here is to help him to enjoy learning. And he wasn't enjoying ANYthing before. In fact, we were arguing just like when he did p.s. homework.

What is this magic solution?

By Gum, it's GUM!

Yep. I paid Evan in gum to get his work done. We set the timer with pleeeeenty of time to accomplish each sheet. After each sheet was done in the allotted time, he got a high five and a piece of gum from the Easter basket.

Bribery? No more so than the bribes his public school teachers gave him for good behavior. (paw prints for finishing work which could then be turned in for special treats.)

See? I AM a Genius!!! It has been confirmed.

The remains of the monkey bread that Evan made ALL BY HIMSELF. He read the instructions, measured the ingredients, and did (almost) all of the prep work. It was delicious!