This is it.
The first day of school.
I have a 6th grader, 2 3rd graders and a kindergarten-er.
All my kids are now school age. I am no longer a mom of a preschooler. My life is changing.
The kids are excited about school.
I know some of you are wondering about homeschooling. How I do it, why I do it, and how it works.
I will attempt to describe it for you.
All the kids have their own desks in our office. I also have a desk. The kids each have a plastic container that they keep their books in. They have pencil boxes with everything a kid needs for school, crayons, pencils, markers, calculators, erasers, and pencil sharpeners.
We try to start out the day with a Bible reading. Then we go over spelling words, writing them and doing a spelling lesson. During this time, Anna and I will be reviewing her letters and the sounds that they make. As the year progresses what Anna and I do during this time will become more involved but I haven't done any formal school with her so she is not as advanced as the boys were in K-5.
After that we will stagger math lessons with the boys and reading with Anna. And we will do history and science together. I will expect more from Samuel since he is older, but the material is written for 3-6th grades. D&D will probably review this same material in 6th grade when Anna is in the 3rd.
It seems so hectic when I think about it. But since I have just written it out it doesn't sound so bad. It is a lot. But I am prayed up and prayed for.
I homeschool the kids because Stephen has asked me too. We began homeschooling for different reasons than we are now. I believe that the Bible says that I am to submit to my spouse. And I believe that he is listening to the Lord and knows what is best for our family. I don't always want to homeschool. There are days that I would love to send them to school. But then there are days that I teach them something and I watch them GET it. That is the best feeling in the world.
I miss out on a lot by doing this. I miss out on girls only lunches, shopping trips and time alone. I've even lost a friend because I do this, but I have gained so many more friends and so much more appreciation for teachers and mothers who teach at home.
The kids and I pray for the school teachers and the students. We pray that they have good days and good attitudes. In fact, we probably pray for them and their schools more than we pray for our little school.
Even though the majority of the people we surround our children with don't think very highly of our choice to homeschool, I am always honoring and try to teach my children to be honoring of those that feel that way.
It isn't easy to homeschool or to be homeschooled. But I'm sure my kids are getting a good education and are being taught in a structured, loving environment. Like so many of our friends that go to big-school(as we call it).
So, there you have it. The answers to your burning questions! HA!
Today our cousin Grace starts kindergarten. I know she is ready and I pray her mother is. Our other cousins Lilly and Cally and beginning this school year in a new school in a new state. Keep them in your prayers. And today is our friend Kaley's last first day. She is a senior this year. Oh! That makes me feel SO old. And rightfully so.
I am praying for all you moms, dads, and teachers out there. This is a tough day no matter how old your child is or where your child goes to school. I mean I have a 6th grader. Where does the time go? I remember walking him to his first day of kindergarten and now a 6th grader. WOW!
Ok! On to teach school!
Julie
The first day of school.
I have a 6th grader, 2 3rd graders and a kindergarten-er.
All my kids are now school age. I am no longer a mom of a preschooler. My life is changing.
The kids are excited about school.
I know some of you are wondering about homeschooling. How I do it, why I do it, and how it works.
I will attempt to describe it for you.
All the kids have their own desks in our office. I also have a desk. The kids each have a plastic container that they keep their books in. They have pencil boxes with everything a kid needs for school, crayons, pencils, markers, calculators, erasers, and pencil sharpeners.
We try to start out the day with a Bible reading. Then we go over spelling words, writing them and doing a spelling lesson. During this time, Anna and I will be reviewing her letters and the sounds that they make. As the year progresses what Anna and I do during this time will become more involved but I haven't done any formal school with her so she is not as advanced as the boys were in K-5.
After that we will stagger math lessons with the boys and reading with Anna. And we will do history and science together. I will expect more from Samuel since he is older, but the material is written for 3-6th grades. D&D will probably review this same material in 6th grade when Anna is in the 3rd.
It seems so hectic when I think about it. But since I have just written it out it doesn't sound so bad. It is a lot. But I am prayed up and prayed for.
I homeschool the kids because Stephen has asked me too. We began homeschooling for different reasons than we are now. I believe that the Bible says that I am to submit to my spouse. And I believe that he is listening to the Lord and knows what is best for our family. I don't always want to homeschool. There are days that I would love to send them to school. But then there are days that I teach them something and I watch them GET it. That is the best feeling in the world.
I miss out on a lot by doing this. I miss out on girls only lunches, shopping trips and time alone. I've even lost a friend because I do this, but I have gained so many more friends and so much more appreciation for teachers and mothers who teach at home.
The kids and I pray for the school teachers and the students. We pray that they have good days and good attitudes. In fact, we probably pray for them and their schools more than we pray for our little school.
Even though the majority of the people we surround our children with don't think very highly of our choice to homeschool, I am always honoring and try to teach my children to be honoring of those that feel that way.
It isn't easy to homeschool or to be homeschooled. But I'm sure my kids are getting a good education and are being taught in a structured, loving environment. Like so many of our friends that go to big-school(as we call it).
So, there you have it. The answers to your burning questions! HA!
Today our cousin Grace starts kindergarten. I know she is ready and I pray her mother is. Our other cousins Lilly and Cally and beginning this school year in a new school in a new state. Keep them in your prayers. And today is our friend Kaley's last first day. She is a senior this year. Oh! That makes me feel SO old. And rightfully so.
I am praying for all you moms, dads, and teachers out there. This is a tough day no matter how old your child is or where your child goes to school. I mean I have a 6th grader. Where does the time go? I remember walking him to his first day of kindergarten and now a 6th grader. WOW!
Ok! On to teach school!
Julie
Comments
More power to you, sister, and good luck!
I am proud of you for doing what you do! It can't be easy homeschooling either.
I am sorry you lost of friend over your decision. What kind of friend was that anyway. To make a commitment to something and see it through, is honorable.
Both groups, public school teachers and homeschooling teachers, want kids to learn and feel loved.
I gues great minds think alike. I wrote a very similar post about 30 minutes ago. Scary!!! :)
I cannot believe that I have not seen you all summer. I miss you!
I'm sorry for the friend that you lost due to homeschooling.
I'm grateful for the friendship I have with you due to homeschooling.
God Bless you all on a new school year! We will all miss you so much especially this year. Especially today. on HS Group day. :( But, we're thinking of you and praying for you all too.
Keep in touch, friend!