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Last week we talked about the challenges of getting back into the school routine. Whether or not you feel like you’re in a “January slump,” today we have some excellent friend-to-friend advice that we all need to hear. Jill Talley is a Track A mom with three children: Karena (Intermediate), Violet (Primary) and Daniel (Primary), and this is their 5th year at SLOCA. As a mom who has been “in the arena” for awhile, she has some warm and helpful words to share today, so grab a cup of tea (or your favorite beverage), pull up a chair, and let’s chat with Jill:
“People only need people…”
For me, one of the most memorable books on the SLO Classical Academy Kindergarten literature list is The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills. That book, a complete tear jerker by the way, includes a poignant quote as the main character, Minna, listens to her father’s words of wisdom during a family wagon ride to church on a cold winter morning, “Minna, you got the right way of thinking. People only need people, and nothing else. Don’t you forget that.”
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In an effort to rekindle my homeschool motivation coming off of an extended break from school, I turn to people, especially other SLO Classical Academy moms to get reenergized and refocused. Let me tell you, as a procrastinator I know I need motivation, and these SLOCA moms are the people who inspire me to dig in and celebrate the absolutely captivating curriculum we are about to experience!
The moms I pursue are ones who have SLO Classical Academy students in similar grade levels as my three students. They are also, in my eyes, solid homeschooling mamas who have been doing this for awhile. They would tell you they are not perfect, but, I can tell you they are positive, determined and patient with their children, the assignments, the projects and themselves. They are consistent in their focus to nurture a love of learning and they are honest about their struggles, difficulties and discouragement. These SLO Classical Academy moms/friends allow me to learn from their vulnerability and they let me be vulnerable with them about my homeschooling challenges. For me, this interaction is magic and I find myself pumped up and ready to tackle the trimester ahead.
My favorite way to interact with these ladies is to invite them to my home (I ask them over for coffee or tea and a little home school inspiration) or go to their home. The key to me is meeting up in a real-life homeschool setting. It’s helpful to see with my own eyes what other SLO Classical Academy parents are doing, and in my home these moms look around and give me ideas. It’s a win-win as they say. We consult and advise each other in a fun, honest, constructive way. I am so thankful!
So, that’s my suggestion to rekindle the homeschool fires; Be diligent (our character trait of the month) to seek out other parents at the school you can download with. Be enthusiastic and eager to see how others are tackling the trimester ahead. Be intentional to set up a time to meet. Be honest and let others in on the specific homeschool hurdles you face. Let yourself get motivated by this passionate group of educators we are a part of.
So simple, yet powerful, isn’t it? Thank you Jill, for reminding us that we really do need each other and benefit from spending time being real with each other.
Does this advice resonate with you? What else helps you get through a slump? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below, and let’s turn to each other for encouragement!
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