We are excited to say that we are still homeschooling. This is an "each kid/each year? decision for us. It is something we feel completely called to do and have since Carter was in preschool, but we know that may change and are open to that possibility and what God has in store for each of our kiddos. It has been a blessing to us. We are fortunate to live in a state that makes it very easy to do and is also full of homeschoolers (opportunities, organizations, co-ops, etc.) In preschool we started a co-op with a handful of other families. Once a week we had "class" and on another day a field trip. It was great for everyone involved.
The next few years were dominated by Julia's cancer. Homeschooling turned out to be a tremendous blessing. Carter was far enough ahead that I had a little wiggle room, but we could also be flexible with his schedule and work around her nap times and hospitalizations. We also had the added benefit of fewer germs being brought into our home.
Last year was Julia's first real academic experience. After spending her preschool years fighting cancer, its complications, and having surgeries- it was time to back up and try to learn some of the normal stuff like the alphabet and calendar. We started her kindergarten year with quite a few bumps. She was still dealing with physical healing as well as receiving counseling for her PTSD. As much as she was excited about school and wanted to do everything- there was also tremendous frustration, whining, and discouragement. It wasn't as easy as she wanted it to be. She was still dealing with some tough emotional issues she had with me. And as time went on we were finding 'holes' in her learning. Those simple things that most kids pick up from 2-5 years were often missing. For example we discovered one day she had no idea what the word 'yesterday' actually meant. (A few weeks of morning calendar and we were good.) We also joined a Classical Conversations group last year. It was a wonderful experience. We all made some amazing friends. The kids packed away a ton of foundational memory work in math, science, latin, history, and english. They also found new confidence in their presentation skills.
As much as we loved our experience last year, we felt God was calling us to something different for this year. We will continue to work on many of our Classical Conversation subjects and both kids are making great progress in their curriculum at home, but once a week they attend a co-op school. The kids have one day of classes, but reading assignments and projects to complete over the rest of the week. Families can choose from a variety of subjects and customize their experience. Both the kids wanted to attend for a full day. Each class lasts for an hour and they are at school from 9am-2:30pm. Carter is a 3rd grader and takes Spanish, American history, science, PE, and music. Julia is a 1st grader taking science, American Heroes, art, PE, and music. They were both eager for the first day of classes...
Julia was happy to already know two of the boys in her class and the one other girl was very happy to have a buddy...
Carter joined a sea of new faces but is looking forward to making friends...
I expected them to come home worn out after a full day, but they were chatty, excited, and full of energy. I am so happy to see how good this decision is for them right now.
So on Fridays they're at school, but other days you will find us in our pj's around the table, on the couch, and on the floor getting our work done and enjoying our time together. We homeschool year round so aside from the extracurricular activities, most days are similar for us. I am so thankful to be able to spend these days with my kiddos, especially watching their relationship continue to grow closer and stronger all the time.
The next few years were dominated by Julia's cancer. Homeschooling turned out to be a tremendous blessing. Carter was far enough ahead that I had a little wiggle room, but we could also be flexible with his schedule and work around her nap times and hospitalizations. We also had the added benefit of fewer germs being brought into our home.
Last year was Julia's first real academic experience. After spending her preschool years fighting cancer, its complications, and having surgeries- it was time to back up and try to learn some of the normal stuff like the alphabet and calendar. We started her kindergarten year with quite a few bumps. She was still dealing with physical healing as well as receiving counseling for her PTSD. As much as she was excited about school and wanted to do everything- there was also tremendous frustration, whining, and discouragement. It wasn't as easy as she wanted it to be. She was still dealing with some tough emotional issues she had with me. And as time went on we were finding 'holes' in her learning. Those simple things that most kids pick up from 2-5 years were often missing. For example we discovered one day she had no idea what the word 'yesterday' actually meant. (A few weeks of morning calendar and we were good.) We also joined a Classical Conversations group last year. It was a wonderful experience. We all made some amazing friends. The kids packed away a ton of foundational memory work in math, science, latin, history, and english. They also found new confidence in their presentation skills.
As much as we loved our experience last year, we felt God was calling us to something different for this year. We will continue to work on many of our Classical Conversation subjects and both kids are making great progress in their curriculum at home, but once a week they attend a co-op school. The kids have one day of classes, but reading assignments and projects to complete over the rest of the week. Families can choose from a variety of subjects and customize their experience. Both the kids wanted to attend for a full day. Each class lasts for an hour and they are at school from 9am-2:30pm. Carter is a 3rd grader and takes Spanish, American history, science, PE, and music. Julia is a 1st grader taking science, American Heroes, art, PE, and music. They were both eager for the first day of classes...
Praying for a blessed year for all, wherever your desk may be!!
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