Here’s a great article on short lessons based on the Charlotte Mason philosophy. It has a ton of good ideas and I plan to read it again (and Kit’s reading it) so we can try implementing some new things:
– keep lessons to 20 minutes or less.
– make lessons interesting or intriguing, not entertaining (since it’s not my job to entertain, it’s their job to learn), but engaging enough to keep the kids’ attention.
– posting a schedule with times written so the kids (that can tell time, of course) can see how soon it will be time for something new.
– if they complete work before 20 minutes they get the leftover time for leisure.
– teaching the kids to focus (habit training) also requires ME to focus on them while doing lessons. NO distractions, close computer, don’t answer phone, no chores, give lesson time the respect it needs.

Much to ponder…