Horticulture

One of the things I have learned about traditional school is that is spares a child some of the rigors of every day life.  If Dell is supposed to take out the trash and doesn't before he leaves for school, the trash either does not go out or someone else does it.  When a child is home for school, the pressing chores of life such as a barking dog or an unexpected neighbor or overflowing trash influence the school day.

I try not to answer the phone while we work.  I try to only clean up while Frazer is having a recess break.  I try to fold laundry while he works independently with me right there.

But, a gorgeous day and watering and planting to do...garden day has got to happen.  And again today it did.  While Frazer managed his math wrap ups in carpool, we spent the morning managing our plantings and adding to them.  Hopefully when we harvest this summer, we can remember the work we did.  Comfort comes in knowing schools give over entire days to facility clean or garden days or even field days.  There is learning the responsibility of providing food and caring for our home's outdoor habitat.  There is the joy in seeing Frazer finally do something out there as opposed to his previous roles of standing there and watching everyone.  Engagement in the outdoors other than play has been a challenge for him.

Next week there is strawberry picking with Porter's preschool.  There will be more planting and watering at home.  the work will fit in better once the big push is through. 

Seedlings waiting for garden to be ready      Porter,5, planting in the ground first annuals

Maybe a trip to Lewis Ginter Botannical Gardens.  Schooling at home means Frazer cannot turn his back on pressing familial needs.  He cannot escaped to the classroom because he lives in it.

                                  Goofy and proud