Learning On A Budget

I am in the middle of the second week of college! Since I purchased a few items for myself and my son, I realized there were more supplies I needed. As a single mom, we are learning on a budget!

Last week, I decided I wanted to create small lesson plans at home for my son to work on. After seeing him doing different activities at school, I wanted to incorporate more learning opportunities at home. 

I bought 4 sets of flash cards and a calculator. We’ve been working on problem solving lessons each morning! 

This week, I stopped by the dollar store to purchase more items I wanted to use for college and to use with my son.

I purchased colored gel pens, more pens, pencils, and two spiral notebooks! I wanted another notebook since I am currently doing two classes (one is an introduction to college). 

Taking two classes feels like I’m juggling between my classes, plus being a mom, managing our schedules and our household. After this, it will be best if I focus on one class at a time! 

One of the spiral notebooks I bought is used in place of a planner. I’m using it to write down the due dates of my assignments, discussions, and quizzes! I couldn’t find a calendar or planner, so writing my due dates down will still help me remember and keep track of everything.

I am also using the notebook to create worksheets for my son.

With my new colored gel pens and writing pens, I am more creative with my notes. Using colors and highlighters helps me read through my notes a bit better. 

Reading through the materials, watching videos, and taking notes is tedious. I find myself doing little spurts of learning throughout the week! 

I am still competing with my habit of wanting to write and stay on top of my blogging! I am trying to stay organized but torn with wanting to study! 

I prefer to blog during the day while my son is at school. I am also doing my reading and school work during the day. As my classes get harder, I may have to spend more time on my school work. 

I just seem to be more alert during the day when my son is at school because I can focus on the task at hand. 

College is certainly a challenge as a single mom! When I was going to college full time right after high school, I don’t remember it being so difficult and I was working full time! I was taking 4 classes at once and then go straight to work right after school. Looking back, I don’t know how I did it! 

College is forcing me to practice my penmanship, getting creative with my note taking, etc. I need to take the time to read through my notes before taking the quizzes too. 

The assignments take some time to write too. I make sure I have no distractions and just focus on the assignment. The assignments are preparing me for the papers I will have to write too! Even when I’m taking a quiz, I need complete focus. 

I like both of my professors. They send out gentle reminders and really responsive when we have questions or concerns! I like that they aren’t out to fail us! They seem lenient on their grading, which I appreciate!