sv evi

After Ma left, we got back into a regular home schooling routine. We stayed in the marina for two weeks, and Riki worked hard every day on boat projects, replacing the lower diagonal shrouds, re-bedding cleats and chainplate covers, taking the gooseneck off so it could be adjusted by the riggers, replacing it again, re-running the lines through the boom, etc.

Meanwhile, the kids and I did school every morning. I learned to wake up early, eat breakfast and pack my bag, and leave the boat to walk up to the marina lounge to plan my lessons for the day. It helped to not be the person in charge of making breakfast for the kids and getting them ready to walk up to school in order to have a little separation from being Mama and being Teacher.

We learned some boat-related knowledge: the Collision Regulations, or how to know which vessel is the give way vessel and which is the stand-on vessel; the Cardinal Marks (how to read the buoys that tell you clear water is to the N,E,S, or W), and the International Radio Alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie…).

Another thing we did in home school was for each kid to pick a meal and a dessert that they would cook for the family. Luz went first, and she was extremely proud of herself! Afterwards, she said she wanted to cook every night. Tomu went second, and got a small burn on his hand, but seemed to enjoy himself. Jade went third, and she also enjoyed cooking. We have picked out the next set of recipes, and will start the next cycle soon. It was definitely worth the extra work and time it took for the kids to cook! Luz wrote about cooking dinner for writing class the next day.

Some more learning on my part — when they are struggling for whatever reason, don’t push it. Just be okay with calling it an early day.