What I Do Matters

I learned a valuable lesson recently.  What I do during our school day, in addition to teaching, matters.  If I get derailed while teaching my children, they get derailed in learning.  Perhaps this should have been obvious to me, but it took me a little bit to realize this.  And the worst part? I get a bad attitude.  I get frustrated that they’re losing focus and not staying on task.  But, I started it! Terrible, right? Well, it is.    

The reasons for my distractions are varied, and albeit, sometimes unavoidable. But, largely, they’re not good reasons or, at least, not good enough reasons.  Teaching my children is so important to me.  I want them to know that truth, not only by what I say, but by how I act.  I’m teaching them every step of the way, even about how to focus.  It’s likely that what I value, they will value.  What does that mean for me?

As often as possible, I’ll value our time dedicated to learning by keeping our schedule (or should I say rhythm?).  We’ll remain flexible and available, some of the best things of homeschooling, but when on task I’ll stay focused and avoid frivolous use of my time.  It’s so important to me to set the tone for our days.

What are some other things I can do to help set the tone for our school days?

1. Wake up early.  Well, maybe not so early in this home, but at least before my littles.  If I’m ready for the day before they wake up, it’s sooo much better!

2. Get enough sleep.  The only way I’m able to do #1 is if I’ve done #2. I love sleep, but I’m also a night owl so this is a hard one for me to maintain.

3. Spend time reading the Bible and praying.  I am powerless against my own sinful heart without the power of Christ.  All other considerations pale in comparison to this.  

4. Eat well.  Starting our day with a healthy breakfast and enjoying snacks at critical times keeps us going.  We’re eaters here in this home.  I’ve been known to skip our morning snack time when we’re running behind schedule and I regret it nearly every time.  

5. Stay organized.  If I’m not distracted by tasks leftover from the day before (dishes to clean, toys to pick up, and math to check), then I’m more ready to focus on today.  Leftover tasks sap my energy and leave me feeling overwhelmed.

6. Show my excitement.  I’ve found that the way I act isn’t always the best indicator of how I’m actually feeling.  I want to put my heart on better display for my children and one way I can do that is to show my excitement for teaching them with my words.

7. Avoid distractions. I typically don’t answer the phone during our school hours and I generally avoid time sucks, like Facebook.  I will allow myself a few minutes here and there to check in with friends via facebook or texting.  But, often, I’m better off if I just put my phone down and keep my computer closed during school time.  Can anyone relate?  

If there’s ever a day that all of these things actually happen, things could still go wrong and our focus could still be lost.  I know that.  But, I’ve noticed that keeping these ideas in mind do help me.  What about you? How do you prepare to show your children that teaching them is important to you?