Are We Done Yet?
This has been the refrain in my own head and that of my kids for the past several days. The final countdowns always seem to bring this phrase. The question is regarding school for all of us although the reasons are different. The kids have 19.5 days of school left after today. They’re ready to be done, I’m ready to be done. Last night’s hour of complicated math problems homework only reiterated the done factor. I have to say, I can remember still doing timed math facts tests in 5th grade. My daughter is in 3rd and was supposed to have them all mastered this year and last night had a packet of over 15 pages of multiplication problems the last three pages of which were all problems with answers in the thousands and ten thousands! I can’t wait to get her back in my clutches to spend some FUN time reviewing basics pressure free. The kids can’t wait to have some unrestricted play time, I can’t wait to have a break from it all and mornings with just me and my kids again.
It’s funny, when I watched Disney’s “Recess, School’s Out” movie I was struck by the memories of how anticipated and enjoyed summer vacation was for me as a kid. I loved the scene with the principal and the boy where the adult is the one acknowledging how important summer vacation is and shouldn’t be messed with because you grow too fast anyway. Summer vacation is a rite of childhood, it marks the end of a big accomplishment and start of fun. I remember so well that excitement and anticipation that neared the Christmas morning level. I like feeling any sense of that again. (Being reminded of these types of things is one of the best parts of being a parent for me.) Most importantly, it breaks up the monotony of life and schedules in a much needed way, kind of like the seasons for weather. This family is ready for summer now so are we done yet?
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*sigh* I miss summer vacation.
Mr. J. is in year-round schooling. He gets three weeks off four times in the year. There really isn’t much difference between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next other than changing teachers and areas of the school.
And the older ones are on traditional schooling….
Did I say I miss summer vacation? *sigh*
Awwww that’s too bad!
Comment by Laura Bybee — April 26, 2007 @ 11:02 am
Makes me long for the days as a kid, getting the summers off and going to camp and to grandma’s and amusement parks. I need a summer vacation… oh how I wish!
Isn’t that the truth?!
Comment by Gina — April 26, 2007 @ 11:57 am
We still have at least another month and half to go before school is out. I don’t know about you, but it seems like summer goes by really fast.
Summer does seem to go really fast. I suppose the same could be said of weekends and any other time we wait for…LOL
Comment by Daddy Forever — April 26, 2007 @ 10:24 pm
I’m dreading when Girlie Girls starts to get real homework. I did really well in school but I’m not sure I can remember it now. How will I keep up the “Mommy knows everything” farce? LOL!
Sad days when that farce diminishes…
Comment by kailani — April 27, 2007 @ 12:13 am
I wish your family a long summer of fun and games….. non-educational games!
That sounds heavenly!
Comment by Vicky — April 27, 2007 @ 7:13 am
Amen to that! I can’t wait to not have school taking up most of the day… and getting outside more.
Mmmmmm outside…..
Comment by Mary (mert) — April 27, 2007 @ 10:17 am
The kids at work are ready to play and swim. I’m ready to play outside in the sun all day!
I’m with you and the kids, I’m ready to do both!
Comment by katkat — April 27, 2007 @ 11:03 am
I know..I can’t wait until this summer. My son has a few more weeks of school but it will be nice when its out so that for one - there is no more homework at night but for another reason…we can all just relax and enjoy the hot summer days! (although I still have to work….but the pace is much, much slower)
The change of pace is as welcome as the change of weather isn’t it?
Comment by Dana — April 27, 2007 @ 11:21 am
This post brings back serious memories. I know I have felt this way every April since the kids started school. I’m always ready for school to end before even they are. It’s interesting to have you draw me back into that memory, because I don’t feel that way this year. I may be overwhelmed, but I’m not anxious for school to end. I think I really love the learning (probably more than the teaching;) Of course, I could really do without the math most days!
Once again, you’ve given me food for thought…
Well feast away. I’ll be back to your table soon.
Comment by Pass the Torch — May 1, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
Ugg. Homework. And the sad thing is that studies show that it doesn’t help kids learn at all, just deadens them and makes them hate school.
You can say that again.
Comment by Stacie — May 2, 2007 @ 11:57 am