The questions I most commonly get on the topic of homeschooling are these: do you plan on homeschooling through high school (Makenna is middle school age)? and do you school in the summer?
The short answers are yes, and yes.
While I may occasionally get the shakes when I think of homeschooling a high schooler, it does not scare me (any more than general parenting might). God gives what we need when we need it and this is no different with homeschooling. I have complete faith that He holds these kids in His hands and will lead Steve and I in raising/educating them. So middle school: bring it on. High school, here we come!
And yes, we school through the summer, especially math. I do loosen the standards a bit and I'm more likely to declare a week off, especially before it gets too hot. And they may choose what they read as long as they keep reading (but in all fairness my kids love to read so they make it easy on me). Honestly, we try to make learning such a way of life that to school year round is not a burden.
I finished my planning for 2011/2012 in May and have my notification and assessment paperwork signed and ready to mail in August.
Makenna will do a variation on Ambleside Online's Year 5, Apologia's General Science and continuing with Math U See. She's already reading Oliver Twist so I plan to substitute Uncle Tom's Cabin. I haven't started her on Plutarch yet. Still deciding if and when to incorporate it into her readings. We'll experiment with it in the fall and see how it goes. Although as I'm typing this and doing the research of which life to study, Makenna looks over my shoulder and says, "Themistocles, can I read about him." Well yes, dear, I'm glad that you asked. So we're going to start with Romulus, Demetrius, and Themistocles, one life for each term.
Maddie is doing a modified Year 3.5, continuing with Math U See and Apologia's Botany. Many of you know Maddie's vision story and the struggle we've had. She has become a good reader and readily reads for pleasure. I plan to transition her to reading her own studies this next year. She has a strong desire to read the hard stuff but has been easily frustrated in the past so I've been slow to put to much on her until I since she is more than ready. Maddie is God's reminder to me that He has His own plan and timing for each of my children. He places me in a position to get the answers to our questions and the help we need, even before we know we had questions or needs.
Maya is working on Year 3, Math U See, and astronomy with Charles. Little Charles will start with Year 1 (again with some variation on the literature as I've already read many of the selections to him), Apologia's Astronomy, and Math U See's Alpha. He will start formal handwriting (Handwriting Without Tears) and reading instruction this fall.
When moms talk to me about homeschooling they usually say something to the effect that they could never homeschool, they don't have the patience, or they don't have the knowledge. First, let me reassure you that I'm just an average mom. I have no special training, I'm not particularly smart, and I don't have exclusive rights to the fruits of the Spirit. I'm just a girl, surrendered to the will of God. I make mistakes, I get turned around and have to start again. But I keep baby stepping, leaning each day on God's leading and provision, walking the path He puts in front of me in faith. And I do this, not because I am so strong and wonderful. But because He makes me able.
No comments:
Post a Comment