Looking out the window at the vibrant leaves, I can't help but reflect upon the changes our family has endured this season. We began this homeschool adventure in a last-stitch effort to "rescue" our eldest daughter from the trauma she was experiencing in the public school system. She suffered at the hands of bullies who were never punished. She had overwhelming anxiety that led to full-blown panic attacks. She had begun acting out in a manner completely uncharacteristic of her personality, simply because she had lost all concept of feeling safe.
Fast forward to now...just 2 months after we "officially" began homeschooling...and I see a changed little girl in I. She has a sense of calm about her that has been missing for several years. She is more cooperative. She has a confidence in her that we have NEVER before seen! She's full of life and HOPE again. THANK YOU JESUS!!!
M's adjustment hasn't been quite as profound, but she's loving the fact that she can get her curriculum work done before lunch and have the rest of the day for fun activities. She has a stubborn streak in her that we're working to break, but overall the switch to home education has been a positive one for her as well.
I now find myself wondering why it took me so long to consider this possibility. I have friends who home school and I have always shunned the idea as something impossible for me, or our family. I wish I would have been more open to this in the past...as it may have saved a LOT of tears.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
While We Were Away
For two weeks, Sam & I were in Ghana spending time with our newest family members while I & M stayed stateside with their grandparents. I can not express how thankful I am that my in-laws are such Godly, family-oriented people who were willing to give of themselves to care for our children during this time! They did NOT homeschool my husband and so asking them to bear this burden was not easy for me, but they embraced it and really seemed to enjoy the time with our girls.
In order to keep things simple and fun, I only sent Bible & Math curriculum to be done while we were away. I also assigned 2 research/independent study projects for each girl based on her unique interests & grade level. They were allowed to present their completed projects to us upon our return in whatever format they desired (book report/essay, photo collage, poster with facts, diorama, etc) as long as they provided an oral presentation as well. We were so thrilled to see the many hours of work they obviously poured into these assignments!
M's first project was to find things in nature that are unique to the Autumn season. She had a LOT of fun with Grandma searching for acorns and different colored leaves!
M's second project was derived from her curriculum. She's been studying Genesis 1 across all subjects, so it seemed fitting to have her create a photo collage of creation. She was able to find pictures in old magazines and newspapers of various things God created.
I's first project was also seasonally derived. She researched plant & animal life in Autumn and created a poster with facts, images & items found in nature that change during this time of year.
I's second project assignment stemmed from some reading she had done in her History curriculum. She wanted to learn more about Pocahontas, and so I encouraged that! I learned a lot during I's oral presentation.
We've been home a full week now and we're back in the "school at home" routine. Hard to believe we're almost through our first quarter (I have to have the report to the school next week!). I can not believe how much of a blessing this decision (to home school) has been to our family! So abundantly thankful to the friends in my life that have supported us in this transition.
In order to keep things simple and fun, I only sent Bible & Math curriculum to be done while we were away. I also assigned 2 research/independent study projects for each girl based on her unique interests & grade level. They were allowed to present their completed projects to us upon our return in whatever format they desired (book report/essay, photo collage, poster with facts, diorama, etc) as long as they provided an oral presentation as well. We were so thrilled to see the many hours of work they obviously poured into these assignments!
M's first project was to find things in nature that are unique to the Autumn season. She had a LOT of fun with Grandma searching for acorns and different colored leaves!
M's second project was derived from her curriculum. She's been studying Genesis 1 across all subjects, so it seemed fitting to have her create a photo collage of creation. She was able to find pictures in old magazines and newspapers of various things God created.
I's first project was also seasonally derived. She researched plant & animal life in Autumn and created a poster with facts, images & items found in nature that change during this time of year.
I's second project assignment stemmed from some reading she had done in her History curriculum. She wanted to learn more about Pocahontas, and so I encouraged that! I learned a lot during I's oral presentation.
We've been home a full week now and we're back in the "school at home" routine. Hard to believe we're almost through our first quarter (I have to have the report to the school next week!). I can not believe how much of a blessing this decision (to home school) has been to our family! So abundantly thankful to the friends in my life that have supported us in this transition.
Friday, October 7, 2011
How Great Thou ART
The girls & I spent the first 3 days this week at an art camp taught by a man named Barry Stebbing. He's a Christian artist who travels around teaching homeschoolers art basics (drawing, shading, color blending, painting, etc) with some art history added in...all from a Biblical perspective. It's an INTENSE three days, especially for a 6 year old, but overall well worth the investment of both time & money for both of our girls!
Mr. Stebbing's company is called How Great Thou ART and I would definitely recommend this program to other homeschooling families around the country!
Mr. Stebbing's company is called How Great Thou ART and I would definitely recommend this program to other homeschooling families around the country!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
That Didn't Take Long
I started this school year full of excitement & anticipation of what homeschooling was going to be like for our family. I had illusions of grandeur filling my mind.
Thankfully, I really wasn't completely deluding myself. Although I was REALLY hoping to blog daily or at least a few days/week about our adventures, and that clearly hasn't happened...we're a month in and the girls are showing HUGE progress! I is at ease...she has a peace about her that I haven't seen in her in years. What a blessing! Her academics are on track and she's actually ASKING to do additional projects like book reports! YAY! M is flying through her work at a rapid speed. It's amazing how much 1st grade curriculum you can cover when there's only 1 child to teach! She has such a strong grasp of the material she may even advance to 2nd grade work before this school year is complete. I'm finding this to be one of my favorite aspects to home education...the lessons can tailor to the individual child as opposed to the middle of the road student in an over-crowded classroom.
Admittedly, we're still figuring out what homeschooling looks like in our home. We've been pretty regimented thus far, following the curriculum daily, but we're looking to expand our horizons to include more field trips & hands on activities. That will no doubt be a welcome enrichment to the current routine! Of course, there's going to be a 2 week shift while Sam & I travel to Ghana to visit our children there & file their USCIS paperwork. I & M will spend that time with their grandparents. We (the kids & I) have discussed it quite a bit, and decided that rather than lugging all of their workbooks & all of the teacher's guides to Grandma's, they'll take their Bible & Math with them and work on independent study projects for History, Science & Language Arts. I am excited to see how they do on those when we return.
Odds are, I won't blog again until our return from Africa...so until then, God bless!
Thankfully, I really wasn't completely deluding myself. Although I was REALLY hoping to blog daily or at least a few days/week about our adventures, and that clearly hasn't happened...we're a month in and the girls are showing HUGE progress! I is at ease...she has a peace about her that I haven't seen in her in years. What a blessing! Her academics are on track and she's actually ASKING to do additional projects like book reports! YAY! M is flying through her work at a rapid speed. It's amazing how much 1st grade curriculum you can cover when there's only 1 child to teach! She has such a strong grasp of the material she may even advance to 2nd grade work before this school year is complete. I'm finding this to be one of my favorite aspects to home education...the lessons can tailor to the individual child as opposed to the middle of the road student in an over-crowded classroom.
Admittedly, we're still figuring out what homeschooling looks like in our home. We've been pretty regimented thus far, following the curriculum daily, but we're looking to expand our horizons to include more field trips & hands on activities. That will no doubt be a welcome enrichment to the current routine! Of course, there's going to be a 2 week shift while Sam & I travel to Ghana to visit our children there & file their USCIS paperwork. I & M will spend that time with their grandparents. We (the kids & I) have discussed it quite a bit, and decided that rather than lugging all of their workbooks & all of the teacher's guides to Grandma's, they'll take their Bible & Math with them and work on independent study projects for History, Science & Language Arts. I am excited to see how they do on those when we return.
Odds are, I won't blog again until our return from Africa...so until then, God bless!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
A Week In
As I sit here typing, I is eagerly moving ahead in her science workbook, excited to see what comes next, and M is coloring her little heart out. We're a week into this homeschool venture and although the "honeymoon effect" is still fairly present, the girls are settling into a routine & I'm beginning to see their personalities come into their studies.
I'm pleased so far with the LIFEPAC curriculum for this year. The material challenges I without causing her anxiety and although still mostly review for M, it holds her interest. Lesson plans are thorough and easy enough to follow. There isn't a ton of prep work on my part - which will be HUGE when our Ghanaian angels come home!
Today also included a new experience for us...we went to our first homeschool co-op meeting this morning. It was a very informal gathering where kids of all ages played together and the moms chatted and got to know each other a little (I'm sure dads are welcome too...there just didn't happen to be any today). I have been part of this group for a few months online but this was the first opportunity to put faces with names of the people who've helped answer so many of my questions along the way. I'm so thankful for this community as they've been a tremendous support as I learn the ropes of NY state regulations.
So there you have it...week 1...done. Our first week included a fabulous science center field trip, a fun co-op gathering, getting further in the curriculum than anticipated & beginning to read the Little House Books as a family. The girls are loving it and so am I! Can't wait to see what next week has in store...
I'm pleased so far with the LIFEPAC curriculum for this year. The material challenges I without causing her anxiety and although still mostly review for M, it holds her interest. Lesson plans are thorough and easy enough to follow. There isn't a ton of prep work on my part - which will be HUGE when our Ghanaian angels come home!
Today also included a new experience for us...we went to our first homeschool co-op meeting this morning. It was a very informal gathering where kids of all ages played together and the moms chatted and got to know each other a little (I'm sure dads are welcome too...there just didn't happen to be any today). I have been part of this group for a few months online but this was the first opportunity to put faces with names of the people who've helped answer so many of my questions along the way. I'm so thankful for this community as they've been a tremendous support as I learn the ropes of NY state regulations.
So there you have it...week 1...done. Our first week included a fabulous science center field trip, a fun co-op gathering, getting further in the curriculum than anticipated & beginning to read the Little House Books as a family. The girls are loving it and so am I! Can't wait to see what next week has in store...
Monday, September 5, 2011
Fun with Science
As a fun kick-off to our first year homeschooling, we spent all day yesterday at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. At about 3.5 hours from home, this isn't a museum we can visit weekly, but boy was it fun for a day! I'm actually a bit envious of Pitt area homeschoolers, as the Science Center offers what look to be AMAZING homeschool science courses! It truly put our local science museum to shame.
My husband & I thoroughly enjoyed exploring & interacting with all the amazing exhibits with our girls. There are even live shows to delve into specific areas of interest. We went to the FREEZE show, which educated kids on the properties of liquid nitrogen and its effects on everything from balloons to metal to marshmallows. Our friends' daughter was even chosen to participate in the demonstration!!
From gravity to air pressure, robots to marine life...this museum made science come to life for our girls.
I look forward to finding all sorts of fun events like this to do with our children throughout the remainder of the school year!
My husband & I thoroughly enjoyed exploring & interacting with all the amazing exhibits with our girls. There are even live shows to delve into specific areas of interest. We went to the FREEZE show, which educated kids on the properties of liquid nitrogen and its effects on everything from balloons to metal to marshmallows. Our friends' daughter was even chosen to participate in the demonstration!!
From gravity to air pressure, robots to marine life...this museum made science come to life for our girls.
I look forward to finding all sorts of fun events like this to do with our children throughout the remainder of the school year!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Day 1
Today is THE day. We officially cracked into our curriculum & began homeschooling this morning. Since old habits die hard, the girls were still taken shopping recently for special "1st Day of School" outfits (right down to the shoes), which they willingly modeled for pictures this morning.
They were beyond excited to begin this new world of homeschooling! In fact, they've been begging me since Monday to start, but I really wanted to read through as much of the material as possible before beginning...not to mention our summers are SO short here in Western NY that I couldn't bear to begin school in August. Just enjoy that time playing girls!
So this morning, after breakfast & pictures, we sat down at the dining room table to begin our lessons for the day.
I's first day of 5th grade went well. There was a lot of reading, but generally she enjoys reading so she didn't complain. The only real struggle she encountered was the differentiation between some of the wording in her curriculum (Bible-based, NKJV) versus the wording in her Bible (NIrV). Once I helped explain the variances, she cruised through her work. She really seemed to enjoy the Bible work best (this mama's singing praises) followed closely by science.
M's 1st day of 1st grade sailed by! She went beyond what we set out for her to accomplish today in several areas. Her day included a LOT of coloring (which she loves) and a good review of material she already knows. Not sure what her favorite subject was...but I can tell you it was NOT penmanship! She does great writing her letters, but she was bored with it. She's most excited to get into Health (which we're doing on alternate days with penmanship).
So in summary, TODAY ROCKED! The girls thoroughly loved being able to take a break when they needed it, which helped keep I's anxiety levels & M's blood sugar levels in check. Regular snacks, a hot lunch (ok, it was boxed mac & cheese, but still...), physical activity & time to snuggle with mama made both girls (and me) love their first day of homeschool.
They were beyond excited to begin this new world of homeschooling! In fact, they've been begging me since Monday to start, but I really wanted to read through as much of the material as possible before beginning...not to mention our summers are SO short here in Western NY that I couldn't bear to begin school in August. Just enjoy that time playing girls!
So this morning, after breakfast & pictures, we sat down at the dining room table to begin our lessons for the day.
I's first day of 5th grade went well. There was a lot of reading, but generally she enjoys reading so she didn't complain. The only real struggle she encountered was the differentiation between some of the wording in her curriculum (Bible-based, NKJV) versus the wording in her Bible (NIrV). Once I helped explain the variances, she cruised through her work. She really seemed to enjoy the Bible work best (this mama's singing praises) followed closely by science.
M's 1st day of 1st grade sailed by! She went beyond what we set out for her to accomplish today in several areas. Her day included a LOT of coloring (which she loves) and a good review of material she already knows. Not sure what her favorite subject was...but I can tell you it was NOT penmanship! She does great writing her letters, but she was bored with it. She's most excited to get into Health (which we're doing on alternate days with penmanship).
So in summary, TODAY ROCKED! The girls thoroughly loved being able to take a break when they needed it, which helped keep I's anxiety levels & M's blood sugar levels in check. Regular snacks, a hot lunch (ok, it was boxed mac & cheese, but still...), physical activity & time to snuggle with mama made both girls (and me) love their first day of homeschool.
Our Journey Begins!
It has been a long time coming. For years we struggled with the way our eldest daughter was being lost in the public school system. We've fought & fought to obtain for her the services she's entitled to. For 3 years we've battled bullies on the bus & in the classroom...NONE of whom were EVER reprimanded for their behavior. Enough is enough!
The reality is, although perfectly acceptable for many children, the school district we live in FAILED our daughter...and because of such, she will NOT be returning to their care. Effective immediately we are homeschooling both of our girls (ages 10 & 6)!
We did not come to this decision lightly, or easily. We spent months praying about it & researching ALL our options. I honestly thought there was NO way I could do this. Thankfully God places people in your life for His purpose, and I had some very real discussions with people I know that live this lifestyle (it really is a lifestyle more than just a location of education). The information, guidance & encouragement I received helped us feel comfortable in this decision. I am so thankful to have "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) in regards to this decision. There have been MANY to criticize & condemn our decision...but we know that this is the right decision for our family. It may not be right for yours, but it is for ours...for the health, safety & well-being of OUR children.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ~Proverbs 22:6
The reality is, although perfectly acceptable for many children, the school district we live in FAILED our daughter...and because of such, she will NOT be returning to their care. Effective immediately we are homeschooling both of our girls (ages 10 & 6)!
We did not come to this decision lightly, or easily. We spent months praying about it & researching ALL our options. I honestly thought there was NO way I could do this. Thankfully God places people in your life for His purpose, and I had some very real discussions with people I know that live this lifestyle (it really is a lifestyle more than just a location of education). The information, guidance & encouragement I received helped us feel comfortable in this decision. I am so thankful to have "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) in regards to this decision. There have been MANY to criticize & condemn our decision...but we know that this is the right decision for our family. It may not be right for yours, but it is for ours...for the health, safety & well-being of OUR children.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ~Proverbs 22:6
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