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As parents, homeschool presents us with the same behaviors that Martin's teachers struggled with. Namely, Martin puts up massive resistance when asked to do something he doesn't want to do. We've tried lots of different disciplines at home and his teachers have tried at school. Nevertheless, getting Martin to do what you want or need him to do often results in a meltdown or a showdown.

So our homeschool days so far have a predictable rhythm. When we present Martin with work he likes to do, he happily complies. He has spent a great deal of time the last few days telling time, reading his favorite books, and working through his favorite flashcards. He does mapwork that's familiar to him over and over. But when we stretch him - present him with unfamiliar work - he resists. He avoided the sheet of addition facts and a U.S. map for matching state capitals. He yelled when I tried to have "gym" using some flashcards with a few child-friendly yoga positions.

So I understand why his teachers struggled. And were trying to figure out how to help Martin try new things. At the same time, we're trying to establish a homeschool routine that doesn't wreck havoc on our ability to do our own work. Like so many new things with Martin, I wish we were already a month into it.