Reflecting
Monday, January 24, 2011 at 11:06PM For some reason I've been very reflective the past couple of weeks about my children and the path we have chosen for their education. Mostly, it's been thankfulness. They seem to be growing and thriving so well. I'm so glad I've let go of the "school" expectations, and have allowed them to grow and pursue their own interests. I believe their memories of traditional school are fading and they, too, are relaxing as each day goes by.
Right now we are working on projects for a homeschool literature fair, which involves a report of a book, hands-on project and display, and interview. My daughter has chosen a lovely book, "Calico Bush", which we have been reading together. It is one of my favorites we have ever read together. As we have worked our way through literature that takes place in the 1700s, I have noticed my daughter being fascinated with the pioneer way of life. On her own, she came up with the idea of wanting to learn to knit and sew (just like Marguerite in the story). She has learned to knit from my friend Karen, and is learning to sew from my neighbor, Robin. I can't tell you the hours she has spent on these two projects. Her fingerless gloves and Calico quilt will always be treasures to her I am sure! They are good for her patience, self-esteem, self-control, and perseverance. I can't wait until we are all ready for the literature fair!
Another great thing - tonight my daughter wanted to start her Valentines (we usually go to grandma and grandpa's house near Valentine's Day and they love to celebrate with the kids). She went to the American Girl website, selected pictures to print, resized them, printed them on heavy paper, and began the task of filling them out tonight. She wants to laminate them tomorrow and attach a pastel Tootsie Roll to each. I love the creativity! This is my little girl, the one who was fighting to come out a couple of years ago and was so unhappy being stifled. Now, her God given talents are coming to the surface.
It's a little harder to tell with my six year old because he is just so busy, but I see him obsessing about his math (in a good way), learning his times tables, and memorizing all of the state capitals - with no prompting from me. He loves to read and happily retreats to his room each day for quiet time and always lays next to his bookshelf where he can read his favorite Curious George, Dr. Seuss, or baseball books. His literature fair book is "The Grouchy Ladybug" - we are waiting for the ladybug larvae to come in the mail so we can get this show on the road!
I think I share these little stories on my blog to remember them... and so I have a record of what the kids are accomplishing. I hope I give credibility to homeschoolers everywhere by doing this. I finally am starting to GET IT. Homeschooling isn't just a choice in how we educate our children, it's our lifestyle, and one I'm so glad to lead.
Sure, here I sit at 11 p.m. working on lessons for this week and trying to unwind because there is so much to be done, but I can honestly say I wouldn't have it any other way!
Are you just so thankful to be a homeschooler? Leave me a comment and let me know!
This post is linked to The Hip Homeschool Hop and Teach Me Tuesday.
Visit other homeschoolers today and leave some comments, offer encouragement, or just get some great ideas!
Reader Comments (9)
What a great post!
It's been below zero here and we have cabin fever...and I have been wondering if homeschooling was the right choice...or am I doing them a dis-service?
This post really helped me to put it into perspective. Thank you.
I also have a busy six year old son. I enjoyed reading about your reading with your children. I'm visiting from the Hip Homeschool Hop and now following your blog.
OH YES! We are so very thankful to be homeschooling. It is the greatest blessing and decision we have made thus far for our family. We are almost done with our second year and looking forward to many, many more.
This is a beautifully written post. Blessings to you and your family for a wonderful week and homeschool journey ahead.
Stopping by from the HHH!
Mary, I am so thankful also that we can educate our children at home. There are days, I will admit, when I think I AM CRAZY for NEVER having ANY time for me (except at 5 am sometimes) to relax, to reflect etc...however, I know that that is selfish ME thinking and not MOTHER me...lol....Rock on and be strong....Melissa Stopping over from the HHH today!
Here from the HHH, and I'm new to homeschooling and still quite overwhelmed by it. Honestly, I have felt ready to quit, but my charter is connecting me with a new teacher so maybe that will help?
@Fit2BMama - I felt like quitting MANY times in our first year.... it really does take perseverance and knowing that things DO get better. (I promise). I think it's a little like childbirth - after it's all over you forget the pain! I find reading blogs to be very encouraging. I am glad you stopped by today.
I have a very busy active,very talkative 10 yr old boy that is very hard at times to teach and I have that thought going through my mind(why did we stop going to PS)
Then I realize BC it was meant to be for us to HS.Please stop by and visit our blog and become a follower,I am following from the HHH.
Blessed to be a blessing .....comes to mind when I read your ponderings. I think its great you have this venue to share and encourage others in their journeys too.
hugs, Colleen
The beauty of homeschooling is that it can become a lifestyle - something that comes naturally and fosters the child's inborn curiosity. Such a beautiful post!
I was pulled out of school after a disasterous first semester of first grade. It took me a while to lose my expectations of what "school" should look like, but once my family did that we had years of beautiful learning to enjoy! I'm thankful to be on the same journey with my own children.
~Heather