A Day in the Life of the Aughe Ohana

Welcome to the new "A Day in the Life" series! This weekly string of blog posts will feature individuals or families here on the Big Island, describing what "a day in the life" (or a week!) of a homeschooler is like. This weeks post is by Pauline of Hawaiian Paradise Park, mother to 6 year old Aaron.

A Day in the Life of the Aughe Ohana

My son, Aaron, is 6-years old and has just completed first grade.  Ever since he was an infant, he has appreciated routine, mostly set by himself.  He created and followed his own daily naps, eating times and play times.  As he got older, I noticed that he did better in situations that he was prepared for ahead of time.  Observing his preference for routine as a planner, which I'm grateful for because I'm a planner too, I knew he'd do better with a structured environment as we approached homeschooling.

Although our days may be predictable, our personal approach to homeschooling helps Aaron (and me) succeed.  Here's a sneak peek into our daily routine:

7:30 AM - Rise and Shine! Dad (also known as Ted) usually enjoys waking Aaron up with a few minutes of cuddle and tickle time.  This ensures a happy morning.

7:45 AM - Before his breakfast, Aaron feeds our dog and cat. Then breakfast with Dad, followed by bed making, teeth brushing and changing his clothes. 

8:15 AM - I join in after getting myself together and we say good-bye to Dad who's off to work.  After settling down and cleaning up after breakfast, we pull out the books we will be using according to the subjects assigned for the day.

*Side note: Rather than doing a little of each subject a day, we have chosen to do 3 standing subjects along with 1-2 other subjects that we really dive into.  We use Seton, a Catholic Homeschooling Program.  So everyday, in addition to Religion, Spelling and PE, we study 2 weeks worth of 1-2 more subjects. Mondays we do English and Handwriting.  Tuesdays we conquer Math.  Wednesdays we focus on Reading/Phonics. Thursdays we examine History and Science. And Fridays we take our Spelling test.

8:30 AM - Sitting in our kitchen, we begin our schoolwork: first Religion, then spelling.

9:00 AM - Snack time (I've found that incentives are key).  While Aaron is taking a break, I get a chance to do some of my own work.

9:15 AM - Back to the books. 

9:45 AM - Time for a run.  Aaron has struggled with focusing for long periods of time.  After much emotional tug of war, I did some research on techniques other homeschool parents have used.  Across the board, many parents suggested that the kids go do an exercise that releases their energy.  So, when I notice Aaron getting antsy, I tell him to go take a run in the backyard.  After about 3 laps, he comes back  and tells me he's ready to study.

10:00 AM - The learning continues.

10:30 AM - Depending on our pace and amount of work, we will do more running or PE exercises outlined in the lesson plan to release more energy.

10:45 AM - More learning.

About 11:15 AM - We are officially done with the academics and now we can have fun.  We eat lunch together and then we're off to go swimming (PE) or a play date.

Some days, I have meetings I need to go to either online or in town.  Aaron has been very cooperative in finding quiet things to play with during those times, usually consisting of reading books on his Kindle or playing some games on my iPad such as Math Ninja, Doodle Buddy and Magic Piano.

4:00 PM - Back at home, it's time to get dinner together, with which he has to help me.  But before we prepare dinner, Aaron takes a shower.

5:00 PM - Dinner time, followed by dessert.  Aaron makes sure he gets his dessert.

6:00 PM - Aaron changes into his PJs and brushes his teeth. 

6:30 PM - During the week, Aaron gets to watch a 30 minute show.  Right now his favorites are Scooby Doo, Sonic and Kung Fu Panda.

7:00 PM - Dad arrives home and they spend some time together talking or playing tricks on each other.  It's always entertaining when they get to hang out.

7:30 PM - Every night, we read a chapter in a book that we've chosen together. I like choosing books that have a movie we can watch together after we finish the book.  So far, we've read the Indian in the Cupboard and we just completed the first two books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, which includes the Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.  So this weekend, we'll be watching the movie.  On Fridays and Saturdays, Aaron gets to watch a movie.

8:00 PM - Cuddle time until he falls asleep.  Sweet Dreams Aaron (and Mom if I fall asleep with him). 

Homeschooling is hard, tiring and self-less work, but being able to witness Aaron's development is priceless.  Having our son was a conscious choice and ensuring that he's given the environment and opportunities to excel is a privilege and responsibility that we are happy to be a part of.

Thank you Pauline for sharing a day with us! Your optimistic attitude and obvious dedication to your son's individual needs is inspiring!