Books, papers, crayons, glue, and just about everything else is strewn all over the floor. It's 11:30 a.m. and all we've covered so far is a half a lesson of math. The preschoolers are happy, for the most part, dumping every box and container they can find. Did I hear the toilet flush a few too many times? The students are getting grumpy. First grader seems to think that pounding the paper will solve the problem. Baby needs changed. Now they all think of a reason to leave the school room, drinks, potty, etc. Preschooler doesn't want any help with his work book. He's a big boy. "Now I 'm not going to do it because you told me how." Sisters start fighting over who's right it is to rest their elbow on the other's desk. Now every one is screaming, but not teacher yet. This looks like a good time to take a lunch break (it's lunch time anyway isn't it.)
Some of these problems can be avoided. How? Children get grumpy and uncooperative. Here are some simple steps that may help. You can take steps to dodge the problem, but you won't get away from it altogether.
Get the children to sleep early the night before. Many times a child is ornery just because he didn't get enough sleep.
Don't feed the children cereal for breakfast. Feed them something nutritious, with no sugar if you can help it. Even if your morning is rushed, a good breakfast is worth the time. Plan ahead the night before. Get up ten minutes earlier so you can fry some eggs or potatoes. Even good old-fashioned mush will do the job. Just don't call it mush. Think up a creative name. Hot Corn Cake With Milk.
Clean up the school room after school so you can enter on a clean room and get a fresh start. It only takes a couple of weeks to get everyone in the habit of putting things away before they leave the room. You may seem like the mean mama bear, but insist. No one goes out for anything, unless it's a real heart attack, until the room is clean.
Limit wacking-up-papers activities. Hide the scissors. It makes clean-up easier.
If every one gets really grumpy, change the scene. Play a game. Take a walk. You stay happy and you'll have 100% better chance of getting the children to be happy.
Put things you don't want dumped up out of the reach of little hands. Make a special place, preschool cupboard or shelf with toys that preschoolers can get any time. Have only a few toys at a time. If you periodically change the toys, it will keep them from losing interest and heading for more exciting things, like the toilet. Keep the bathroom door closed.
Let older children take turns doing a preschool "class." Have them take turns keeping the toddlers busy while you work with another child.
Don't sit there getting nowhere. If one subject, say math, takes all day, cut the lesson short after half an hour. Thank the child for what he's done that day and go on to the next subject. Stop while he's still in a good mood, before he gets frustrated.
If a child just woun't write his lessons, let him use a crayon, or colored pencil, or a pen. A little change may do the trick.
If this is your first year of school, or second, or third, and it's still hecktick, I'd suggest Homeschooling ABC's. Click Here! This e-class will help you get things organized and off to a good start.
Tip # 1
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Tip for mothers:
Keep them busy while they're awake. Work when they're asleep. It's less
house cleaning :)
14 years ago
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