When you homeschool the cat can keep you company while you are working on your math lesson!
John and Alexander
(yes we named the cat after our last name... we are vain like that!)
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Back At It...
Last Tuesday we started our 2010-2011 school year. I had planned on writing this last week, but alas once again having five kids has taken up ALL of my time and I am just now getting to it!
I have to admit that I am excited to get into a more rigid routine, but I truly hate to say goodbye to summer. I LOVE the heat and humidity, the endless days at the pool, sleeping in (oh wait, we still get to do that), traveling and visiting friends.
I had planned to continue school through the summer since last year was a year of transitions for everyone and I didn't feel we did the quality of work that normally would be expected. But frankly I needed a break, so that is exactly what I gave myself! A.MUCH.NEEDED.BREAK.
This summer, by far, has been our busiest yet! We have been on the go all summer and I have loved every minute of it. Last year was a much different story, because of travel preparation and cocooning once we were home, we didn't get out much at all. I am truly glad that is behind us and we are able to bust out of the house whenever we want.
But now we are getting back into a routine... here is a glimpse of our school days.
-7-8am-wake up
-Before the kids come down for breakfast their beds need to be made, they need to be dressed and teeth brushed.
-I like to start school by 8:30am but I don't stress if we get started later.
-We start the day with prayer and a daily devotional. Then we do the normal reading, writing, math, history, science, geography.
-We do take a couple of short breaks. Mostly they need the freedom to talk, because two of them like to talk A LOT. If the weather is nice, I have them go outside for their breaks.
-We eat lunch around noon
-One of my rules is that their rooms need to be clean by noon and if it isn't they will need to take a nap that day. I usually do not have an issue with their rooms being spotless. Like most kids, they do not like naps! This rule doesn't apply to the girls (yet), because there are days that they need a nap.
-The boys also practice piano daily. They have piano lessons weekly and I am so thankful their piano teacher comes to us!
Depending on how well they work depends on when we get done for the day. Most days we are done by noon or 1p and there are a few days we aren't finished until dinner. I do like to be done by 1p, so we can do something fun in the afternoon or take a nap depending on the state of their rooms. {smile}
My focus this year is to get them to work more independently. I really want to start working more with the girls. Hannah is already writing letters and they both have an intense interest in learning! Most days they sit while the boys do school. I do not make them, but they just love to be part of what we are doing.
Some other things we have going on this fall:
-Isaac is going to start playing the guitar
-Isaac is playing soccer
-John is playing flag football
-Josiah starts relationship therapy (more on that later)
-All three boys will be on a swim team. This will be their first year and I really hope they like it. I think it is a great way to keep them in the water all year long.
-Hannah and Chloe start a dance class that is ballet and tumbling
-We have some fun field trips planned with our homeschool group
We are going to be very busy and on top of that Monte starts a new job on September 7th. He is really excited about this opportunity and I am looking forward to having our weekends back. He has not had a weekend off since the end of April. He did go with us to Maine in July, but other than that he has been working 7 days a week since April. The new job was truly something that fell into our laps and we very thankful! He will still be mortgage industry, as a senior mortgage underwriter.
Here is my attempt at getting some first day of school pictures!
I have to admit that I am excited to get into a more rigid routine, but I truly hate to say goodbye to summer. I LOVE the heat and humidity, the endless days at the pool, sleeping in (oh wait, we still get to do that), traveling and visiting friends.
I had planned to continue school through the summer since last year was a year of transitions for everyone and I didn't feel we did the quality of work that normally would be expected. But frankly I needed a break, so that is exactly what I gave myself! A.MUCH.NEEDED.BREAK.
This summer, by far, has been our busiest yet! We have been on the go all summer and I have loved every minute of it. Last year was a much different story, because of travel preparation and cocooning once we were home, we didn't get out much at all. I am truly glad that is behind us and we are able to bust out of the house whenever we want.
But now we are getting back into a routine... here is a glimpse of our school days.
-7-8am-wake up
-Before the kids come down for breakfast their beds need to be made, they need to be dressed and teeth brushed.
-I like to start school by 8:30am but I don't stress if we get started later.
-We start the day with prayer and a daily devotional. Then we do the normal reading, writing, math, history, science, geography.
-We do take a couple of short breaks. Mostly they need the freedom to talk, because two of them like to talk A LOT. If the weather is nice, I have them go outside for their breaks.
-We eat lunch around noon
-One of my rules is that their rooms need to be clean by noon and if it isn't they will need to take a nap that day. I usually do not have an issue with their rooms being spotless. Like most kids, they do not like naps! This rule doesn't apply to the girls (yet), because there are days that they need a nap.
-The boys also practice piano daily. They have piano lessons weekly and I am so thankful their piano teacher comes to us!
Depending on how well they work depends on when we get done for the day. Most days we are done by noon or 1p and there are a few days we aren't finished until dinner. I do like to be done by 1p, so we can do something fun in the afternoon or take a nap depending on the state of their rooms. {smile}
My focus this year is to get them to work more independently. I really want to start working more with the girls. Hannah is already writing letters and they both have an intense interest in learning! Most days they sit while the boys do school. I do not make them, but they just love to be part of what we are doing.
Some other things we have going on this fall:
-Isaac is going to start playing the guitar
-Isaac is playing soccer
-John is playing flag football
-Josiah starts relationship therapy (more on that later)
-All three boys will be on a swim team. This will be their first year and I really hope they like it. I think it is a great way to keep them in the water all year long.
-Hannah and Chloe start a dance class that is ballet and tumbling
-We have some fun field trips planned with our homeschool group
We are going to be very busy and on top of that Monte starts a new job on September 7th. He is really excited about this opportunity and I am looking forward to having our weekends back. He has not had a weekend off since the end of April. He did go with us to Maine in July, but other than that he has been working 7 days a week since April. The new job was truly something that fell into our laps and we very thankful! He will still be mortgage industry, as a senior mortgage underwriter.
Here is my attempt at getting some first day of school pictures!
Isaac, 8 years old, 3rd grade
John, 7 years old, 2nd grade
Josiah, 6 years old, 1st grade
Chloe, 3 years old, PreK
Hannah, 3 years old, PreK
Friday, April 2, 2010
I used to be blonde
The next town over from us has an amazing recreation center and each semester they offer an eight week class to homeschoolers called "Gym and Swim". It is 45 minutes of gym class and 45 minutes of swim lessons. The boys took it last spring and loved it. They really wanted to do it last fall, but the girls weren't old enough to participate at that time and I knew it wouldn't be fun for me to hear them cry for 90 minutes, so we waited. Also, I am finally feeling adjusted to having five kids. Not too bad for EIGHT MONTHS, huh? :)
After their first class I sent the boys to the men's locker room to get changed out of their wet swim suites. I then waited in line with the girls for the family restroom so I could get them changed.
It wasn't until we were on our way home that it hit me...
Um... Tisha... you waited IN LINE for a FAMILY restroom when all you had with you were GIRLS. You could of gone in the WOMEN'S locker room.
I maybe adjusted to having five kids, but obviously I am still not adjusted to mothering girls!
After their first class I sent the boys to the men's locker room to get changed out of their wet swim suites. I then waited in line with the girls for the family restroom so I could get them changed.
It wasn't until we were on our way home that it hit me...
Um... Tisha... you waited IN LINE for a FAMILY restroom when all you had with you were GIRLS. You could of gone in the WOMEN'S locker room.
I maybe adjusted to having five kids, but obviously I am still not adjusted to mothering girls!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Back at it...
This is our third week of being back in school. Because the boys are so close in age, I have never had to deal with two year olds while trying to teach. The first week was ruff. The biggest obstacle is that the girls don't understand inside voices yet. I usually ended the school day with a huge headache. My friend, Brooke gave me a great idea about putting a table cloth down on the floor and having them play on that. I have enough "educational" toys to keep them busy for a while. They actually do very well staying busy, but we are still working on their loudness!
We took a lot of time off this summer. I don't teach school all year around, but we usually are reading or doing math a few times a week. Well, not this summer. I was so busy getting ready for Ethiopia and then once we were home, I was just trying to wade through the sicknesses that kept plaguing us and figuring out life with two more kids (I am still working on the last one). I was so worried that I would have a reteach a lot of spring semester because we didn't follow up in the summer. I couldn't believe that they have retained it all and we are making our way through the new school year. I am so proud of them. They are doing very well. Isaac and John are actually really putting forth the effort and working more independently this year. Praise the Lord!
This is our new school room. This used to be a two story entryway that my father framed in so he could make our old school room into the girls' bedroom. Didn't he do an amazing job? We love it!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Gym and Swim
This spring I signed the boys up for a homeschool gym and swim class. It is 45 minutes of gym class where they learn different skills and then 45 minutes of swimming lessons. The thing I love about it is that it's located at a local rec. center and the pool water is actually warm. When the boys were really little they took swimming lessons at a high school and that didn't go over well because the water was so stinkin' cold.
By the end of the summer last year, Josiah was jumping in the deep end with no floatation device. He seems to have forgotten that. He freaked out the second week of class and hasn't gotten back in the pool since. I am not going to push him because I know that once summer hits he'll be back into the swing of things. Monte is a very strong swimmer and works with the boys a lot. I truly believe Josiah is afraid of his swim instructor, who doesn't seem to understand children. He has unintentionally sidelined a few children because they are scared of him!
Even though I am not making Josiah swim, I am also not letting him run around and have a grand ol' time. He has to sit until his brothers are done. As you can see, he is not happy. I am sure I would win a "Mean Mommy Award"!
By the end of the summer last year, Josiah was jumping in the deep end with no floatation device. He seems to have forgotten that. He freaked out the second week of class and hasn't gotten back in the pool since. I am not going to push him because I know that once summer hits he'll be back into the swing of things. Monte is a very strong swimmer and works with the boys a lot. I truly believe Josiah is afraid of his swim instructor, who doesn't seem to understand children. He has unintentionally sidelined a few children because they are scared of him!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Lovin' the support
Each time I write a new post I think to myself "surely my next post will be all about our referral" and here I am, many... many... many... posts later with no referral. The phone rang today and it is the first time in many weeks I didn't jump or hold my breath.
I know I sound like I am whining and frankly I think I am, but this is my blog and I will cry if I want to, cry if I want to. You would cry too if it happened to you...
Sorry couldn't resist myself.
I think I am going a little crazy!!
OK... on to something else.
Yesterday the boys and I were able to get together with three other families that have adopted from Africa or that are in the process. One family has adopted from Ethiopia, one is in the process of adopting from Ethiopia and the other has adopted from Liberia. Each family also homeschools, so we had that in common too. It is great to talk to families that have "been there done that". I just love to hear them talk about their experiences, the good and the bad. I have learned so much from the support of other adoptive families. These are people that I may have never of known, but adoption has brought us together and I am so thankful.
Josiah went up to the toddler from Ethiopia (who is adorable I might add) and started talking to her. She touched his hand and he in turn grabbed hers and they were instant friends. It was precious, just precious.
I know I sound like I am whining and frankly I think I am, but this is my blog and I will cry if I want to, cry if I want to. You would cry too if it happened to you...
Sorry couldn't resist myself.
I think I am going a little crazy!!
OK... on to something else.
Yesterday the boys and I were able to get together with three other families that have adopted from Africa or that are in the process. One family has adopted from Ethiopia, one is in the process of adopting from Ethiopia and the other has adopted from Liberia. Each family also homeschools, so we had that in common too. It is great to talk to families that have "been there done that". I just love to hear them talk about their experiences, the good and the bad. I have learned so much from the support of other adoptive families. These are people that I may have never of known, but adoption has brought us together and I am so thankful.
Josiah went up to the toddler from Ethiopia (who is adorable I might add) and started talking to her. She touched his hand and he in turn grabbed hers and they were instant friends. It was precious, just precious.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Homeschooling through the eyes of a 7 year old!
Last week my Dad (the grandkids call him Pappy) was here for a visit. He and Isaac were talking...
I: I know why my Mommy homeschools us.
P: Why?
I: Well, there are two reasons.
P: OK.
I: One is so she can teach us about Jesus all the time.
P: Yes, that is a very good thing. What is the other reason?
I: So she doesn't have to wake up early.
He is completely telling the truth on both accounts! Too funny!
I: I know why my Mommy homeschools us.
P: Why?
I: Well, there are two reasons.
P: OK.
I: One is so she can teach us about Jesus all the time.
P: Yes, that is a very good thing. What is the other reason?
I: So she doesn't have to wake up early.
He is completely telling the truth on both accounts! Too funny!
Monday, January 12, 2009
A weekend away
This past weekend I was able to get a way with other moms in our homeschool group. This group has been my foundation as we trudge through our homeschool journey. I really don't think I would of made it this far without them and of course lots of prayer. There are 40 families in our homeschool group and nine moms were able to go. These women are incredible and it was a blessing to spend time with them. We went to Brown County State Park. It is about 1 hour south of where we live and it is beautiful (even in the winter). It is nice to be surrounded by trees and to have piece and quiet. We stayed up too late, ate way too much chocolate, sung karaoke, pampered our face/feet and laughed still we cried. Saturday afternoon we had an amazing worship service. Sunday, on our way home, 3 of us went to a nearby outlet mall and got some great deals. Then I came home to a clean house (thank you Monte).
Here are some pictures. I thought I left my camera at home, but found it when we were getting ready to do our pampered feet/face.
Here are some pictures. I thought I left my camera at home, but found it when we were getting ready to do our pampered feet/face.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Cool Craft...
I am always on the look out for good crafts. I am the type of person who enjoys nothing about them, but the Lord thought it would be nice to bless me with a child that lives for them.
Actually, just hearing the word craft makes me twitch...
This past spring, I came across a good thing. They are activity beads. I can't even begin to guess how many hours my boys have spent working with them. Isaac, of course, likes them the best and I am always amazed at the things he creates.
Actually, just hearing the word craft makes me twitch...
This past spring, I came across a good thing. They are activity beads. I can't even begin to guess how many hours my boys have spent working with them. Isaac, of course, likes them the best and I am always amazed at the things he creates.
You can find activity beads in the kids section of any craft store (Michael's, JoAnn Fabrics). They have different kits and come with different shaped peg boards and ironing paper. Once they are done with their design all you have to do is iron it on both sides.
Here are just some of his creations!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Progress
I had to share this picture. Josiah doesn't practice his letters on paper a lot. He still experiences some sensory issues, so I have a plastic storage container that has a flat bottom and I put salt in it. I have him write his letters in there using his finger. He has been doing very well. The other day I asked him to write his name on the dry erase board. I already knew he could write the J and O, but I was pleasantly surprised that he was able to write his whole name with no problem.
He was very proud and wanted me to take a picture!
He was very proud and wanted me to take a picture!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Wonderlab
My friend Monica let me borrow a book called "Kids Love Indiana". It has many unique places to visit in Indiana. It is a great book! It has given me lots of new creative things to do with the boys. I love doing fun things with my boys, but it seems like we always do the same things.
Friday night we took the boys to Bloomington, Indiana to the Wonderlab. It is a hands on science museum. The first Friday night of the month they have discounted rates. I was bracing myself for lots of people, but it wasn't crowded at all. We had an amazing time. With homeschooling the boys, I usually do trips during the day, so Monte misses out. I think we were all excited that he was able to come with us this time. It is not a very big museum. We got through it in about 2 hours, but it was worth it.
This is a two story climbing grapevine. The boys couldn't get enough!!
This was my favorite. I don't remember the name of them, but they sell smaller ones. If you put your face or hands on it and push, it makes the impression of your face or hand. The had kid and adult sizes. So you could do your WHOLE body. It was great!
Friday night we took the boys to Bloomington, Indiana to the Wonderlab. It is a hands on science museum. The first Friday night of the month they have discounted rates. I was bracing myself for lots of people, but it wasn't crowded at all. We had an amazing time. With homeschooling the boys, I usually do trips during the day, so Monte misses out. I think we were all excited that he was able to come with us this time. It is not a very big museum. We got through it in about 2 hours, but it was worth it.
This is a two story climbing grapevine. The boys couldn't get enough!!
This was my favorite. I don't remember the name of them, but they sell smaller ones. If you put your face or hands on it and push, it makes the impression of your face or hand. The had kid and adult sizes. So you could do your WHOLE body. It was great!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Confession
This school year hasn't been the easiest. There have been many days that I have been tempted to put the kids on the magic yellow bus. I know I am suppose to homeschool them, but I didn't realize there would be so much pressure.
I don't get pressure from Monte nor other parents (homeschooling or not). The pressure is all self inflicted. I guess in the back of my mind I thought that since they are home and getting one on one attention that they would pick things up without a problem. Well it doesn't necessarily work that way. Go Figure!
Knowing I needed advice, I reached out to others in our homeschool co-op for help. They are so encouraging to me. They lift me up in such a special way. They show me that I am doing what God has called me to do and I will be ok. Mostly, they tell me what I need to hear and often, in a nice way, they tell me that I just need to chill out. Wise words!! I don't know how people homeschool without the support of a group.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am suppose to be home with my boys. Whenever I questions God about it, He always shows me I am where I need to be. It is not easy, but I am learning as we go.
I don't get pressure from Monte nor other parents (homeschooling or not). The pressure is all self inflicted. I guess in the back of my mind I thought that since they are home and getting one on one attention that they would pick things up without a problem. Well it doesn't necessarily work that way. Go Figure!
Knowing I needed advice, I reached out to others in our homeschool co-op for help. They are so encouraging to me. They lift me up in such a special way. They show me that I am doing what God has called me to do and I will be ok. Mostly, they tell me what I need to hear and often, in a nice way, they tell me that I just need to chill out. Wise words!! I don't know how people homeschool without the support of a group.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am suppose to be home with my boys. Whenever I questions God about it, He always shows me I am where I need to be. It is not easy, but I am learning as we go.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Changes
Summer has proven to have a great effect on my blogging. There are just not enough hours in the day some days!
I do believe that this is the best summer we have ever had though. It has been full of going to special places, seeing neat things and just having fun. We have made it to the pool almost daily. I think now that the boys are a little older it is easier to load them up and take them somewhere without having to worry about naptime. Although I feel like I need one at times!
We started school last Thursday and thus far things are going smoothly! I just love the curriculum we are using this year. It is based from the Bible... isn't that the way all schooling should be? The youngest 2 are doing Kindergarten work and are learning about creation right now. Isaac is in 1st grade and in the process of making a scroll. We made pottery jars on Friday, which is where the scrolls were kept in bible times. There is lots of learning with Christ at the center of it all!
Monte found out last week that he can start working from home one day a week and on the weekends. It'll be nice to have him around, even if he is working. I know it'll take some time for the boys to realize that Daddy has to work and isn't home to play all day. He drives about 55 miles a day, so we will save a lot of money on gas considering neither of our vehicles are fuel friendly!
I do believe that this is the best summer we have ever had though. It has been full of going to special places, seeing neat things and just having fun. We have made it to the pool almost daily. I think now that the boys are a little older it is easier to load them up and take them somewhere without having to worry about naptime. Although I feel like I need one at times!
We started school last Thursday and thus far things are going smoothly! I just love the curriculum we are using this year. It is based from the Bible... isn't that the way all schooling should be? The youngest 2 are doing Kindergarten work and are learning about creation right now. Isaac is in 1st grade and in the process of making a scroll. We made pottery jars on Friday, which is where the scrolls were kept in bible times. There is lots of learning with Christ at the center of it all!
Monte found out last week that he can start working from home one day a week and on the weekends. It'll be nice to have him around, even if he is working. I know it'll take some time for the boys to realize that Daddy has to work and isn't home to play all day. He drives about 55 miles a day, so we will save a lot of money on gas considering neither of our vehicles are fuel friendly!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Counting Down
We start school on Thursday. We got our curriculum in the mail a little over a week ago and it got us all in the mood to start!
Now that Isaac will be in 1st grade, I wanted to get "real" curriculum and I choose one that is Bible based. There are many reason why I homeschool, but the biggest one is because I can teach them what I feel is important. So, I am excited to get going and I am so thankful that they are just as energized to start the school year!
Why am I starting this early, you ask? By the time spring gets here we do not have the same passion about school. Everyone is tired of being inside and the nice weather is calling us!
Another great things about homeschooling is that it doesn't take us all day. We start at 8am and are done no later than 12pm. So that leaves plenty of time to still enjoy the rest of summer.
Now that Isaac will be in 1st grade, I wanted to get "real" curriculum and I choose one that is Bible based. There are many reason why I homeschool, but the biggest one is because I can teach them what I feel is important. So, I am excited to get going and I am so thankful that they are just as energized to start the school year!
Why am I starting this early, you ask? By the time spring gets here we do not have the same passion about school. Everyone is tired of being inside and the nice weather is calling us!
Another great things about homeschooling is that it doesn't take us all day. We start at 8am and are done no later than 12pm. So that leaves plenty of time to still enjoy the rest of summer.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Great Kid Sites...
We have been going to the library a lot this summer when we have been in town. They have amazing kids programs and now that Isaac will be in 1st grade in the fall there is even more opportunity for him.
The classes are about an hour long and I always have at least one child with me waiting for the one or two that are in class. So, this is what I do. I sit them in front of the computer... I know... great mom. I do some school with them at first, but then I let them enjoy the SUPER FAST connection, because it rocks. I have a link on my side bar of my blog about great sites for kids and I just have to say it is simply amazing. They never get bored.
What am I saying? They never get bored playing on the internet... but I do and I want them to do something for their mind and not just play Webkinz all day long.
So check it out!
The classes are about an hour long and I always have at least one child with me waiting for the one or two that are in class. So, this is what I do. I sit them in front of the computer... I know... great mom. I do some school with them at first, but then I let them enjoy the SUPER FAST connection, because it rocks. I have a link on my side bar of my blog about great sites for kids and I just have to say it is simply amazing. They never get bored.
What am I saying? They never get bored playing on the internet... but I do and I want them to do something for their mind and not just play Webkinz all day long.
So check it out!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
He makes it SO obvious sometimes!
OK, so I got this letter in the mail yesterday and am still in awe of its contents. Here is a part of the letter. Keep in mind that Josiah did attend the public school's developmental preschool for the first semester this school year.
Mr. and Mrs. Monte Alexander
The Avon Community School Corporation Transportation Department has initiated its bus route planning for the 2008-2009 school year. Since a significant number of high school students provide their own transportation, we are requesting your assistance in developing bus routes for the upcoming year. (at this point I am becoming perplexed… but I continue)
According to our 2007-2008 routing records your high school student, JOSIAH, does not currently ride a bus.
We can stop there… YOUR RECORDS? Who the heck keeps these records? HIGH SCHOOL? I did take a nap yesterday, but it wasn't for THIRTEEN YEARS!
Based on JOSIAH’S birth certificate, he is THREE YEARS OLD!!
I am not here to blast the public school system. There are some wonderful teachers out there and I have many friends and relatives that are teachers. I am thankful for what they do!
The thing I want to point out is something different. Yesterday, just a couple of hours before I received the letter I was emailing a friend. In the email I was telling him that I didn’t feel cut out to homeschool and question the Lord a lot for laying homeschooling on my heart. I often feel like my kids are going to fail at life because of my inability to teach them.
This letter came at the perfect time. No matter how crazy it seems, the Lord knows me and knows how my brain works. I needed this letter. I needed it to confirm to me that we are doing the right thing by homeschooling.
I am sure I will need a lot of these types of letters in the coming years. When I am feeling inadequate to teach, the Lord will once again do something to show me this is exactly what His will is for our family. He is so good!
Mr. and Mrs. Monte Alexander
The Avon Community School Corporation Transportation Department has initiated its bus route planning for the 2008-2009 school year. Since a significant number of high school students provide their own transportation, we are requesting your assistance in developing bus routes for the upcoming year. (at this point I am becoming perplexed… but I continue)
According to our 2007-2008 routing records your high school student, JOSIAH, does not currently ride a bus.
We can stop there… YOUR RECORDS? Who the heck keeps these records? HIGH SCHOOL? I did take a nap yesterday, but it wasn't for THIRTEEN YEARS!
Based on JOSIAH’S birth certificate, he is THREE YEARS OLD!!
I am not here to blast the public school system. There are some wonderful teachers out there and I have many friends and relatives that are teachers. I am thankful for what they do!
The thing I want to point out is something different. Yesterday, just a couple of hours before I received the letter I was emailing a friend. In the email I was telling him that I didn’t feel cut out to homeschool and question the Lord a lot for laying homeschooling on my heart. I often feel like my kids are going to fail at life because of my inability to teach them.
This letter came at the perfect time. No matter how crazy it seems, the Lord knows me and knows how my brain works. I needed this letter. I needed it to confirm to me that we are doing the right thing by homeschooling.
I am sure I will need a lot of these types of letters in the coming years. When I am feeling inadequate to teach, the Lord will once again do something to show me this is exactly what His will is for our family. He is so good!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Piano
Isaac and John have been taking piano lessons for the past seven months. I am amazed at how much they have picked up in that short time. Each week, I am blown away with the new information they comprehend.
I have had a lot of people question us on why we have put them into piano so young, especially being boys. Monte and I decided when Isaac was an infant that this was something we wanted our children to learn and the sooner we got them started, the better. We view it as part of their curriculum and we practice 4 to 5 days a week. It works out very well for our family. The boys never complain about practicing. Isaac is getting to the point that he is excited to practice each day.
Their piano teacher is amazing. She does so well with them, even on that days that they are antsy(there are plenty of those).
Friday, February 22, 2008
A success this week!
I have had a hard time getting school done the last two weeks because of caring for sick kiddos. My oldest is the only healthy one and I knew I had to some how get school done. A few days ago I had a new idea and we tried it. I gave him three things to do while I was getting ready for the day. I chose things I knew he could get done without me: math, writing and some piano. It was a success! I really think he enjoyed having control of his schoolwork.
There are so many positive things about homeschooling. Independence being one of them, but I thought it would come later on in their schooling, but no it has started at SIX. I am so proud of him and I love to see the joy in his eyes when he learns something new. He has never said a negative thing about me being his teacher and has never asked to go to a "real" school (that is what my middle son calls public school). Granted he is only in Kindergarten, but he has made the start of this journey very enjoyable!
There are so many positive things about homeschooling. Independence being one of them, but I thought it would come later on in their schooling, but no it has started at SIX. I am so proud of him and I love to see the joy in his eyes when he learns something new. He has never said a negative thing about me being his teacher and has never asked to go to a "real" school (that is what my middle son calls public school). Granted he is only in Kindergarten, but he has made the start of this journey very enjoyable!
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