"Work While You Work"

I've taught my oldest children to read out of Phyllis Schlafly's First Reader. It is a fabulous, phonics-based system that starts with the letters, moves to words, then sentences, and finally, stories. It begins with the short vowel sounds until they are sooooo pro, and then moves to long vowel sounds, special sounds, blends, etc.

You've served us well, First Reader! $30 for 6 children - can't beat it!

I'm in the middle of teaching my sixth child right now. We've just made it through the long vowel section and we're moving on to special sounds/phonograms. Wow, it's been a bit of a fight with #6 but we're making it. My brother, a real Stick-to-it Dad, is working on reading with his daughter, as well. They pray before each reading session because he needed extra help with patience during this process. You mean you need patience to teach a child to read??? Thanks for the reminder! Inviting the Spirit into learning truly is the best teacher and motivator.

The main reason for this post is because of a little poem that my children have memorized from First Reader...

Work While You Work

Work while you work; play while you play,
One thing at a time; that is the way.
All that you do, do with your might.
Things done by halves, are not done right.

I love this little poem! It is a great reminder to stay true to the task at hand and do it well. We like to encourage our children to work hard while you're working. When you're playing, really play! When it's school time, put your heart into it. When it's meal time, enjoy that grub (but remember your manners)! When we're at church, be reverent and think about spiritual things. When it's piano practice, focus and enjoy yourself.

We all have a tendency to work on something, get distracted, play a little bit, go back to it, etc. etc. and the original task takes FOREVER to complete. Finish your math lesson and then go play with your friend. Clean your room and then play with your legos. Work while you work. Play while you play...

And while you're at it, do it right the first time so Mom doesn't need to tell you to do it again. Please!!!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!