Homeschooling is a lot of work. That’s what I found out during the past year that we have been doing it. On average we consume about 6 hours in a day answering his PACEs. I almost gave up because its very time consuming. After all, I have other things to take care of like Zack who I still breastfeed and my online work. However, since Z is adamant we continue, we’re going for another try this year.
I know most of you don’t have a clue what we do on our homeschooling sessions. Well, our curriculum is a workbook curriculum from School of Tomorrow. It can get pretty boring for any kid to answer 6 pages of 7 different workbooks or PACEs as we call it, in a single day. That’s why I insert a lot of recitation and fun things in between.
But sometimes I’m the one who’s entertained. My 7 year old is quite a revelation and can say things that surprise me.
Here are some of the things that made me happy today.
This morning we were studying about freedom. I was explaining the meaning of freedom to Z.
Me: Z, we’re lucky we have freedom. Freedom means being free to do what we want.
Z: But Ma, I don’t have freedom. I can’t do what I want! (He doesn’t want to do his PACEs kasi)
Me: Okay, you’re right, you don’t have freedom right now. haha!
This afternoon, in between his PACEs, I decided to teach him how to dance to liven up his lessons. He was really reluctant and I had to force him to cooperate. I recently participated in a dance in our church and I tried to teach those steps that I learned to him. But try as he might he couldn’t get the moves right. I know I’m his mother and I should not laugh at him but he looked so comical trying that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. In the end, I just ignored his clumsy moves and we both enjoyed the music and the dance.
What I also like about homeschooling is I can teach him wherever, whenever. I learned before that the number one way for kids to avoid being abducted by a stranger (didn’t we hear reports a few months back of some children being kidnapped) is to teach them not to engage in small talk with a stranger and run. So while waiting for his band practice this afternoon we practiced this “don’t talk and run strategy.”
Me: Z, if someone you don’t know talks to you and gives you Rollercoaster (his favorite junk food) what will you say?
Z: No, thank you.
Me: No! You don’t say anything and run away as fast as you can! What if he suddenly grabs you and kidnap you. And then we won’t see you again.
Okay, let’s repeat this. Say you’re walking down the road and I approached you. You don’t know me and I say, “Little boy, do you want candy? Come here and get one.”
Z: *** runs away fast ***
Me: Very good! Let’s try another, “Little boy, what’s your name?”
Z: *** opens his mouth and started to say his name but then remembered what we talked about and ran away as fast as he could. ***
You should have seen his face when he remembered that he wasn’t supposed to say anything. It was so funny I almost died laughing!
But seriously, teach your kids to not say anything and just run away if a stranger talks to them on the street. Once they open their mouth anyone can persuade them to go with them and that’s when they will be in danger. I forgot exactly where I saw this but it’s from an expert in abducting cases. He said this has prevented kids from being abducted in the past.
This is my entry for this week’s BC Bloggers Meme. Thank you, Sanna, for hosting this week’s meme. To join BC Bloggers click here.
Oh those moments with your Z made me laugh. Kids are really so pure and innocent. Hey am I right, he dances like his dad? Hehe!
I told S about your comment and when he read the blog post hindi na naka imik. Totoo nga siguro. haha!
Being around kids is really one source of happiness for many parents. What’s really funny are usually the innocent but funny questions they ask. Good tip about not talking to strangers and just run. Hope to join the meme by the end of the day.
Yes, Chin. Tell your kids about that too. I hope it doesn’t have to happen to any of our kids but we got to be prepared just in case.
Sis, breastfeeding plus all these work? You are one busy woman! I salute you. I find breastfeeding very demanding. In my case my baby feeds every hour, kaya halos wala ako iba mgawa. Galing mo
Haha. Nakakatuwa naman si Z, naiimagine ko tuloy un reaction nya. Here’s my blog meme: http://momayes.blogspot.com/2012/06/bc-bloggers-meme-things-that-make-me.html
hahaha natawa naman ako dun! When I was a kid, we were taught in school to say “NO!” then run away.
About homeschooling, I’ve heard so much about it. They say that it could be the best way to teach a child. I want to try that with my future kids
Bravo, Paula! Kudos for your all-round efforts–family and kids on one side and the well-being of the BC Bloggers! Learning from your workmanship I have engaged myself on a commenting spree all morning today! Nearly finishing the assignment. All the very best to you and your family.
Thanks, Chinmay. I love doing this so no need to thanks me.
thanks for sharing the “don’t talk and run strategy”. i’m sure to teach my daughter this strategy against strangers.
at least tumakbo pa rin hehe!. paranoid ako sa ganito kaya kahit maghintay ko sa school ng matagal, ok lang!
Lol! You almost got him with the last one. He hesitated but remembered to run hahaha!
Oo nga, automatic na kasi na sasabihin niya name niya. Buti na lang naalala. haha!
mommy Pau I am interested about this homeschooling (pretty early right for my 7 month old lol) but seriously though when reading about it sounds boring but I know this will bring goo to my little miss
.. Sooner I will ask you more about this thing.
hehe! ang cute! galing ng strategy na yun..will also tell my sisters
I’m actually very much considering homeschooling. Feeling ko di na talaga as applicable ang conventional schooling e.
Anyway, good job on teaching Z na wag magsalita. Ganyan din ginagawa ko sa mga marketers na nang-haharrass kapag nasa mall. Di ako magsasalita. Di ako sasagot kasi mas lalong humahaba ang usapan
Hahaha! Ako din ganyan, umiiling lang and no eye contact.
nakakatawa naman ang eksena. my mom used to tell that when we were young.
Nakakatuwa naman. Your boy is beginning to look like a young man na din!
We really have to be vigilant and teach our children how to protect themselves. The stories I hear are so scary. Good lesson for the day
Hi Paula. I can see that your devotion to educating your own kid is really fascinating. It’s not like all Filipinos are doing it. You’re a special mom because your daily workload, I could just imagine, must be very daunting. We need more moms like you in the Philippines.
Thanks for the nice words, Itin. But I’m far from ideal. I don’t do housework. hahaha!
Home schooling talaga? I think its expensive right but has positive outcome naman you can supervise your kids and malalayo pa sya from anything danger outside lalo na ngayon daming kidnapping and etc..
What a great way to teach your child how to deal with strangers.
Bonding time with our kids is by far the most happy moments in our lives. I could see and imagine how you reacted sa gestures ni Z everytime you ask him a question. Kids kasi have their own funny ways that really delight us…parents.
You’re a one hardworking Mom Sis Paula! Cheers to that!
awww! Mommy is testing the little boy’s intelligence
so cute 
my kids will wave their hands to stranger and tell them not to talk to strangers 
sounds like your son is learning the safety 
Thanks for the tip! I’ll remember that!
Hi pau, I’ve been wanting to homeschool Sophia too but don’t know how. I mean where to start and what curriculum to follow. Where do I go to learn more about this?
Hi Lalah, Chris has written a list of homeschool providers in her blog: http://www.mommyjourney.com/2011/03/homeschool-help-accredited-homeschool-providers.html
I suggest you check each one on the internet first and try to narrow down your choices to two to three and then visit them before you make your final choice.
at least he did remember (not to talk and run), maybe a few more practice and he’ll be a pro (at running
)
Thanks for giving us a peek at real-life homeschooling (with matching dialogues, I love it!). I’m considering this way of education for my child and I’ll be looking forward to more posts from you on this topic.
I won’t be able to join this, but next time, I will.
Thank you for sharing homeschooling your kid. I’ve been contemplating about homeschooling my little boy too but we already enrolled him at this exclusive school for boys when we moved here in the Philippines. So we might as well let him keep going there while we are here. I wish though that I’ve “stomped” my foot about homeschooling.
About the safety precaution, I couldn’t agree with you more. I too, always remind my son never to interact to a stranger. We also had the same “practice” like you did with your kid. I also try to grab him to show him that any adult can drag him. See, I’m petite so my strength is uncomparable to others who have bigger built.
We also practice speaking Tagalog in public so strangers don’t know we are “balikbayans” LOL! (And so, I can haggle prices at markets like in Greenhills
You’ve a good and intelligent kid Mommy. checking if for “things that makes me happy meme” thanks for the visit
Thanks for sharing! “don’t talk and run strategy” is interesting I got to practice my niece about it too!
Great tip, Mommy! I’ll start teaching my little ones the same thing. Especially now that they are going to school and are more exposed to people.
I miss this week’s meme. I’m quiet busy and was not able to join. well there’s next time.
Great post. this will help all the parents out there. I thinks this strategy is right “don’t talk and run”
nung una kong nabasa yung sa pagtakbo parang hindi ako sang-ayon.. pero nung nabasa ko yung galing yun sa isang expert.. wala na ako choice kundi sumang-ayon hahaha!
Hehe, sis I understand you. Naisip ko nga paano pag hindi naman pala “kidnapper” at kaibigan namin parang bastos ang dating ano? Baka imbes na maging sociable lahat na lang ng kakausap sa kanya takbuhan niya. hahah
I wish I can remember where I got this so I can put the link to the video. Ndi ko makita sa youtube e.
Thanx for this tips Paula, I’ll definitely teach this to my kids.. nagkalat na ngaun ang mga kidnappers ehh…
That’s definitely a good way to stay away from danger, just run away from the stranger.
I am soooo curious about your homeschooling style and curriculum for Z!
Hahaha! He sure got the lesson right there. Cutie patootie.
By the look of your son’s face, he was also trying his best not to laugh. Lol !
this is true for kids..nice trick. i hope someday i could teach my kids the same.
Zyke is growing up really fast. I just hope we won’t get left behind – we need to teach him things that matter and fun.