Homeschooling with Autism: Day 13 Don't Forget the Fun!

Making silly faces with JoJo

Let's face it.  Adults take themselves way too seriously.  Honestly, I do it way too much.  I get so caught up in making sure that we are working on weaknesses with Logan.  Am I teaching them enough?  Oh no, we are behind on the plans that I penciled in at the beginning of the semester.  What will everyone think if we don't complete our assignments on time? 

The first thing out the window when the schedule gets behind or packed is the fun stuff.  Why is that?  If there is no fun to look forward to in the lessons then what is the motivation to complete them?  Look at the joy in her face.  She was motivated to complete the hard stuff with the promise of something she loves. 

Field trips go out the window as well.  That is such a travesty.  Notice that both children are working on lessons sitting in the car waiting for the rest of the field trip entourage to arrive. (Madison is looking up her Bible verses on my phone).  It is no surprise that Logan is reading here.  He reads everywhere.  What is a surprise is that he is reading one of his books for the week with no prompting from me.

Don't think for a moment that just because we were having fun that we weren't learning.  Oh my, that is not true.  Logan was ecstatic to be at the hydroponic farm.  He would have talked to that poor lady all day if we had let him. I would venture to say that he learned more about botany on that trip that we had from our studies that week. 

When my children look back at their homeschool years will they remember that we were perpetually behind on our lesson plans or that mom took the time to have fun with their learning?  I can bet my socks that they will remember the fun times.  So, tell me , what have you done for fun in your homeschool this week?

This is Day 13 in a series.  Please check out the entire Homeschooling with Autism series but first  you must crane your neck like a giraffe.  Just having some fun with you.