100 Words

I “liked” a boy when we were in the 8^th grade. We became better friends in high school, and he wrote the sweetest words in my yearbook our senior year.

How did we meet? Kevin sat behind me in pre-algebra and graded my homework. Mrs. Parker began most classes by saying, “Pass your homework to the person behind you.”

Even though homeschoolers do not have thirty papers to grade each class period as Mrs. Parker did, we can learn from traditional teachers. (See Think Like a Professional Here)

Allowing siblings to grade each other’s papers can save time.  It is also a chance for the grader to practice humility and grace and learn themselves as they see their sibling’s work. Kevin was so nice that I never minded him seeing my mistakes.  I also thought he was a bit more lenient than Mrs. Parker.

How are you thinking like a professional?

Even after I realized I should think like a professional—see here—I pushed forward and taught when I was sick. How could I stop homeschooling for a couple of days, let alone a week? I always felt behind, as most homeschoolers do.

Pushing on always delayed my recovery, which prolonged my misery and the number of unproductive school days. Each time I said it would be different next time. It wasn’t.

Paid teachers at traditional schools—notice I didn’t say real teachers—have substitutes and lesson plans for sick days. I might not have a paid substitute, but I should have had a plan that allowed rest and healing. Eventually, family circumstances required a plan.

My favorite was educational movies from the library and the How Great Thou Art art curriculum by Barry Stebbing. The easiest was a reading marathon. My boys could camp out in my bedroom and take turns reading aloud. Today, Kindle and streaming give last minute options.

A container of materials with a “Sick Days” label helps. It is also a constant reminder that sick days are a normal part of a parent/teacher’s life.

What is your favorite strategy for family illnesses?