October 16, 2012

9 innings of school

Last week, I was getting ready for an impromptu Cincinnati Reds party for our family for dinner (but that's another story).  I was also trying to get the kids to do their schoolwork, but they were not cooperating.  Since I had baseball on the brain, I thought to myself "maybe they'll do their work if I turn it into a baseball game somehow".

I quickly drew a scoreboard for each of the boys.  They were playing against me, not against each other. I filled up 9 of their work folders with schoolwork, and told them that each folder was like one baseball inning.



They could earn 3 runs per inning by doing their work without complaining, doing it neatly, and doing it quickly. However, I could also score runs each inning. Mommy would score when they complained, were sloppy, worked too slowly, or threw things (a too often occurrence in our schoolroom unfortunately).



I could not believe how well it worked.  The boys were excited and started right away. It was the easiest day of school we've had so far this year.  I got a couple of points for sloppy work, but other than that they "beat my head off" as Christopher likes to say.




The boys have asked that we play baseball every school day since then.  I need to look into making some more permanent scoreboards.  I'm sure it will lose it's magic at some point, but until then I shall enjoy the easy school days.  *contented sigh*

5 comments:

  1. I like that you are The Queen. Naturally.

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  2. Your comment on my blog made me realize that I read your blog all the time and never comment! Wish I could send my kids to you to be home schooled. :) Until starting at her new school this year Abigail honestly asked every other month when I was going to start homeschooling. You make it seem so doable. And fun. And easy (which I'm certain it's not). Love reading about your family!

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  3. Haha! So creative and fun. I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing at Mom's Library.

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  4. Wow, it took til the 8th innings to score a point for the queen - now that is good going - by later in the day my children are both grumpy!

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