The best laid plans…
Sep 12th, 2007 by lapazfarm
Believe it or not, I do plan.
Here’s the proof:
It’s just that my plans don’t really look or act like other folks plans, being more a “list of ideas” than plans, actually. Don’t even try to read it because it wouldn’t make much sense to anyone but me anyway. The lists tend to be impressively long and involved and include ideas for just about every possible subject area.
They are good plans. But the truth is, if I put my hope in how many items got checked off my lists I would be sorely disappointed.
Instead, I choose to be overjoyed.
Why? Why would I be overjoyed that my well-thought-out plans for my children’s educational activities were largely ignored? Why would I be happy that most of my fine projects and fun activities will be transferred yet again to the next page and next week’s schedule?
Well, it’s simple. The plans were ignored because we were so caught up in the fascinating things my children thought up all on their own. Activities that may be inspired by my plans, and run between and through and around my plans, but end up so far over and above what I had planned that most days I am left in utter amazement at all that they accomplish.
So tell me, do I dwell on the unchecked items on my oh-so-organized but fairly predictable list?
Or do I revel in the uniqueness of the unplanned, unpredictable, unstoppable learning that actually happens here?
Yeah. That’s what I thought, too.
The best laid plans…lets just hope they keep on going awry!
This is so true. Last week we had a tea time and listened to a book on tape. It was so good that we couldn’t bear to turn it off. By 6pm (4 hours later) we were still listening and ordering pizza and I looked at my girls and said, “So much for getting to history today.” Emily’s response was a laugh and “Oh well.” It will be a favorite home learning memory, I am sure.
I have overlooked MANY plans I have made for this year already as well, it’s so much more rewarding to let them lead!!! Have fun learning in your special way!!
You seem pretty organized to me.
I am one who logs it in after it’s done, rather than plan.
We know our plan anyway and move at student’s pace so scheduling isn’t really an issue.
Do some more, do the next thing