For a long time I've thought that I would want to home-school my children – at least for the first few years (when it's the “easiest”) Haha. That goes to show what I knew way back then. Anyway, when the time came to start educating Caleb, there was no longer a Christian school here, and public school wasn't what we wanted to do. So the only option I was left with was home-schooling. I wasn't always sure if I was doing it because we really wanted to, or because it was our only option.
I have to take a little rabbit-trail here to explain a bit. For a long time I've been goal-oriented, achievement-driven, and very fond of having a clean and organized home. And I'll quickly admit that I've often taken that to an unhealthy extreme. Not that my house is too neat or clean. Ha! But my task-focus and drivenness too often have taken priority over my children's and husband's needs. I'm very happy to spend lots of time at home, taking care of my home and my children and “accomplishing things”.
What I've discovered is that home-schooling takes a lot of time away from “housework” time and I sorta resent that. As we were approaching this school year and these feeling were crystallizing in my mind, I realized I really, really don't want to go on this way. I started praying and asking God to please, Please, PLEASE help me LIKE this home-school business that we've gotten ourselves into. And I told Him I accept this task He's given me and I commit myself to it.
So, now, a few weeks into school, suddenly I'm realizing that I'm having fun! I'm actually enjoying our learning time together. And the funny thing is, this year it's more demanding and time-consuming than ever before. And I don't resent it. I'm so excited about that I could just, uh, well, I don't know, but I'm really excited. Along with that, I'm enjoying my kids more than I ever have before, I think. Another huge answer to prayer.
Yes, sometimes it all makes my head spin: keeping a toddler occupied, the baby happy, and the older two motivated and focused. And I'm still trying to figure out how to get the necessities done around the house and get enough rest and exercise, etc. But I mostly have joy through it all. Mostly. :-) And please don't take this to mean that I've pretty much got it together now. I'm just saying this feels like a victory. Even on the days when I'm asking forgiveness for losing my temper at someone.
I'm just so thankful that I have a God who is willing and able to work in me and change me. As I write this, it encourages me to ask Him to change some other areas in my life that need a serious make-over. If you think about me, you can pray for me/us. I'm always kinda nervous to share a victory story like this, because I'm afraid I'll just crash in a few days. So, I'm resisting the Enemy and standing in the victory that Jesus has given me.
In case you're interested, here's what we're doing for school-work this year:
Caleb:
Math – Abeka, Grade 3
Language Arts – Some Sonlight, MCP Phonics, Wordly Wise, Sequential Spelling (that is so cool!), and some of Mom's ingenuity for Creative Writing (because he hates it and I'm trying to help him not hate it!) (Does anyone have any good ideas??)
Science and History – finishing up Sonlight Core K and soon moving into Core 1. We actually did Core 1 two years ago, but it was way ahead of Logan so we backed up and will hopefully catch Logan's interest this time around. I'm thinking of supplementing him with lots of good library books. He loves to learn by reading, so I think I should capitalize on that.
Electives - An art appreciation book for kids that we haven't opened yet this year.
- “Do You Doodle?”, a fun drawing book I got from Sonlight. Hopefully Wendy will be doing some art with the her kids and mine and I'll do Science activities with them all.
- “Mavis Beacon teaches typing”. I think he's anxious to start that, but we're having computer issues right now – and I'm not sure right now how we'll fit it in time-wise...
Logan:
Math – Math-U-See, Primer level. We're having so much fun with this! I'm thinking I'll switch Caleb over at some point this year or next.
Language Arts – Abeka, K-5. He did some Sonlight Language last year but I'm switching back to Abeka. It's easier for me. Since he already knows most of his letters and is blending simple words, I think we'll follow the curriculum loosely and probably go through at least the first part of it fairly quickly.
Science and History – the same as Caleb, but without any supplementing.
Electives – the same as Caleb, but without the typing.
And, of course, there's still music. We put Logan back in the same level as last year. At the end of last year it was getting to be overwhelming for him. He's having a lot of fun this year. I think it helps that Keith is practicing with him most of the time. Caleb was dragging his feet this year with the piano thing, but this week he got a song he really likes and that has piqued his interest much more. Whew!
And next week we start swimming lessons, so that takes care of Phys. Ed. Well, that and all the running, jumping, and riding bike they do anyway!
I really didn't mean to "talk your ear off like that." You don't have to read the whole thing... :-) It's time to head for bed... Oh, ugh. I told Caleb I'd order some shoes for him from Sears before I go to bed tonight. The poor child has no shoes - only sandals, dress shoes, and rubber boots. Sometimes it's not so good being the oldest. There are no hand-me-downs when you need something now! Okay, I'm signing off!
7 comments:
yeah, I was just thinking about when we want to start the art/science thing? This week good for you? Also, when does swimming start have you heard yet?
Jenni,
Very cool story. I am so glad to hear that you are finding joy in homeschooling. That is awesome. May this year be the best yet!
~Luke
That's wonderful and I read the whole thing with baited breath. And now since you have your home running smoothly and school taken care of with the blink of an eye and wag of the finger, how about posting some pictures from camping, travelling, etc.... = P
Oh, and don't for get J's schooling - playdough, making a mess, things like that... I was going to give you this idea ages ago and forgot. We had some neat activities that we would take out for kids and one I remember for about that age that ALL the kids just loved, even the little putzy ones who didn't like much of anything, was putting a pile of rice (uncooked) in a large plastic container and then putting in measuring cups and spoons/utinsels of every shape and size, funnels, etc. That would entertain them forever. It feels really cool on little (or big) hands as well. The only draw back is that it's messy and requires supervision so it might not be something that you could give him to do while you're doing something else with the others. (we would put down a sheet)Just thought I'd share in case.
Oh, and nice picture!
hey, rach, thanks for the idea. i actually got that one from a magazine - and i do use a sheet!
but who are those kids you did this with? when?
I'll be praying for you and the homeschooling thing (really loving it)...I'd love to be homeschooling once again - maybe it'll happen in the near future...but not here in Germany as it is illegal. :( That said, I confess that it has been easy to get used to sending the older boys to school, and having the morning with my little ones.
I understand - at least somewhat - your struggle with priorities - it is hard some days for me not to focus on the "things" that are or are not getting done, rather than the things that really count. I remind myself over and over that I have the rest of my life (15 years from now or so!) to have a spotless house and manicured lawn...and when that time comes, I'm thinking I'll miss the wonderful, a lot less than perfect, chaotic (sometimes) life that I have now...
I did that when I had the whatchacall job thing in Indiana...
Post a Comment