Second Grade Again

When La Nina entered 2nd grade, we heard rumors: "Be prepared, 2nd grade is tough." "Whoa, that was our hardest year in the program", "We barely survived 2nd grade." So, I felt some trepidation about this year.

The reason for these warnings: HOMEWORK. One month into the year, I feel the pain. Each week La Nina has 15 spelling words to memorize, 2-3 verbs to conjugate, 20 minutes of reading a night, plus a page or two of math every night. Here's the kicker: on top of all of this, this week she has a 2 minute presentation all in Spanish, complete with artifacts to support her presentation (aka props).

Her topic: A favorite hobby, sport or activity. Okay, from my point of view, talking two minutes on dance, this should be easy. Her perspective: talking in front of the class, completely embarrassing.

Well, she started writing the speech on Friday night and got about a minute of material. Saturday, she got the other minute and tonight she made her "props". (Pictures of herself at dance, mounted on construction paper.) Now, she's spent probably 4-5 hours working on this, and it isn't even her homework. And the amount of parental intervention required is brutal. We had to help her pick a topic-- her original idea was tennis: a sport she's never played or seen. We had to help her write the speech. "But what do I say?" to which we answered with lots of leading questions. Then, we had to talk about what a prop could be and help her narrow her options. While all of this occurred, we completed no homework. It's over the top.

Now, we're starting the week, with zero homework completed and a presentation nearly in the bag. I now see why all those parents were warning me. It's going to be a long couple of years. (The Magster does this next year.)

Life of a Working Mom

Thought I'd post this thought, I've known this for years, but today confirmed it: Stay at home moms have it easier than working moms. I know there's a big debate, but in my mind is clear. Here's my proof. From work today, I did the following tasks:

• Through an email, reminded the Dad of the dance dress code, of homework procedures and dinner plans.

• Took a call regarding the size of shirts the girls need from an organization we belong to.

• Helped find a lost home work binder by text message while in a meeting.

Somehow I just don't think working men face the same challenges, and trust me, stay at home moms are completing these tasks and are not worried about launching 6 global web sites in two weeks.

A rare victory in parenthood

La Nina has never been much of a reader. Oh, she reads like a champ, it's just never been pleasurable activity for her. I love to read, so I've always been a little bummed that she didn't just love books.

Recently the whole book thing has gotten worse. I'd pick up a chapter book to read and she'd leave the room. The Magster and I have read probably a dozen chapter books and La Nina has never listened to a single word. I've tried different books, I tried letting her read, I tried letting her pick the book and I got nowhere.

About 2 weeks ago, I started reading Charlotte's Web to Maggie. I didn't push it on La Nina, but slowly she started hanging around the doorway while I was reading. Then a couple of nights later, she was laying on the floor playing with a toy while I was reading. Then, slowly she climbed onto the bed to listen. I never mentioned her new attitude, but every night I was sure to tell both girls I was about to start reading.

Tonight we finished the last two chapters. I didn't want to read the sad chapter and not the happy ending. So, we started early. La Nina was into the ending from the moment I started the chapter. And when Charlotte was left alone in the barn, La Nina wept for her. To the point where the Magster leaned over and said, "It's only a book." (Magster had tears in her eyes too, it's just not her style to get weepy.)

Anyway, we finished the book and I asked the girls what the book was really about. And La Nina answered, "It's about friends, Mom. Charlotte and Wilbur were friends." Inside I gave a little cheer....La Nina got the book, she really got the book.

Then, La Nina asked if she could take the book to her room and read it again, by herself. Needless to say, I handed her the book and I let her read as late as she wanted. I credit Charlotte's Web as the book that made me fall in love with reading. I'm thrilled it hasn't lost the magic.