Thursday, September 18, 2014

School is Underway at Our House....

This year I start my 24yr of home schooling.  I love this journey. It isn't always easy and I do grow weary....   but the JOYS of home schooling are so worth it.  I do know it is a gift .... and not everyone can home school. No judgement here. We do what works for our family.

School has changed so much since 1991.  This year I have three students.  Not my largest or smallest class yet. The way we school is different.   We are more Charolette Mason- y.   We use a hodge podge of curriculum.  We love Heart of Dakota.  We read a lot!

They love it.  Oh they may not love "school" but they do love this curriculum and they are learning!

Just this past week..... I heard Wesley (our youngest)  say "this might be my favorite year so far... I really like this."   Our children learn more when they enjoy it.  Now, we all know that English or Math is not always enjoyable and somethings just have to be done.   Wes was my child who took the longest to read and didn't like reading until maybe last Christmas.....    so this is great.

After 24 years.....   if I was asked some tips to give moms just starting out, or moms with young ones ... I would say.... breathe deep, laugh lots, take walks, read aloud together.  When Wyatt/Wes were toddlers and I read with the older ones (if they were not napping) they sat on a small blanket with a couple toys (that they didn't normally play with) while we read.  This worked great. I would not stress over the small things..... if they are not reading in Kindergarten or first grade.... its OK!  If they are not reading in 3rd or 4th grade .....  it is OK!  Just keep on keeping on. THEY WILL GET IT.  I didn't change my phonics program when we struggled.... we just kept on doing it....  sometimes we would just put it up for the day and go outside or have a snack.   They ALL read well now!  The same with Math.   Do not stress.  

These years are fleeting......   I know. I know.  When Wes was 6 months and Wyatt was 2 (and screaming all the time) and Lysa was 6, Dakota 10, Mandi 14, Michael 17......   I just wanted sleep and we were in survivor mode.....    believe me I do understand.   Every now and then  I wish I could go back for a week..... month and have all the crazy and chaos!

Hang in there.... you got this.... and even if you don't  GOD does! 

Sponsor a child today!
Grace~ Teena

3 comments:

  1. Enjoyed your post SO much! You are definitely an inspiration! I am just coming out of survival mode where I can think much more clearly & our days are less stressed & chaotic! We now relax & enjoy our journey together. I love my family & accept that our lives are not perfectly organized & scheduled according to any set curriculum either. I cherish homeshooling & this special time I have with my 2 oldest girls!!!

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  2. This is so encouraging to read after almost finishing our first week of "back to school"...I'm only in my 6th year and there is usually some point each day when I want to throw in the towel. But I know it's worth it. It's worth the exhaustion and the struggles. I'm taking a slightly different approach this year and I have yet to see the impact it makes, but I think it will be pretty big.

    Thank you for your constant encouragement...and your honesty. It's nice to know that it's not all roses and smiles for everyone else.

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  3. Oh the inspiration. You know my struggles. We have discussed. I just got a chance to come by and i love the encouragement you give. Many times I have questioned and I always remember yours and other veteran homeschool moms words and I just push through. With His help I will finish this that He has started in me.

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