We have two very different levels of homework going on. First-grader Daniel needs me to actually read along with what he is reading to make sure he's not winging it for the fun of it. Dylan has a significantly increased workload than last year so he needs some guidance and help, too. And then there's Haley just talk, talk, talking away. Oh, and Caroline is always crawling around trying to sneak some dog food or chew on someone's flip-flops. Gross. Dinner is usually being made, and for awhile my thirteen year old niece was staying here and tossed in the occasional eigth-grader questions about geometric theories or the scientific method. The homework hour was anything but heavenly. Seriously.
So tonight we hit a point where something had to change. Everyone was at the kitchen table trying to study and do homework while I was finishing up dinner on the stove. Caroline got spaghetti on Dylan's homework and Daniel's word lists were getting shoved around by Haley's toys as I was trying to set a table and feed the masses. Not a pretty sight. So I changed it up a little.
Earlier this week, I had cleared an area in the mudroom and set up a neat table and chair that Tom brought home from one of his friends. The kids had been using it as a project table already, but tonight a lightbulb went off in my head. I just stuck a desk lamp and a few sharpened pencils on it. Every supply a kid could possibly need is within close range, thanks to the shelving unit Tom built for me over the summer. Most importantly, the work station has some much-needed elbow room for the student working on homework. And just between us, I love it as much as they do.
yay! a place! the caroline chewing on flip flops bit made me gag... just a little. gross, girlfriend, gross.
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