I’m a lame blogger and post only occasionally. I’m okay with that.
I’ve had a big year and gave myself a break from blog reading and blog posting. Last August, we began our homeschooling adventure and today we said “good-bye” to the 2010-2011 school year. I thought giving the kids school t-shirts would be the perfect souvenir (funny, they never cared much for getting a t-shirt at their “real” school). A few months back, they had created the perfect mascot…the Shackelbird. I KNEW we had to do something with their designs and tucked them away. I’m so glad I remember where I kept them!
Each “bird” was designed by each kid and shown in birth order. Cute, huh? The only thing, my kids are wondering where mine is!
Here’s a photo of the kids from August! My, have they grown!
So what did I learn this year?
I really like my kids! I like being with them, they are always forgiving and grateful, eager to please and dedicated to complete their tasks.
Sounds perfect, huh? Well, it is not always. BUT this is what I have learned about my children’s potential while being with them for more concentrated times. I am certainly not the perfect mother and I know for sure I am not a perfect homeschooling mother. Thank goodness for grace and mercy from my loved ones.
We certainly had our moments of frustration, tears, and anger. But in light of that, we have learned to work with one another and not just tolerate one another’s presence.
What did I learn about Ellie? She has the confidence and will to tackle some pretty tough subjects. I am amazed with her ability to teach herself Algebra 1 and do really well. She also taught herself to knit. With some basic instruction from friends, she really took off and has made quite a few lovely things. Thank goodness for the library and the piles of knitting books that took over the floor of her room!!
She also joined a Teen Literature Group. This group read books that most adults read in high school, college, or NOW. She plowed through and I am so proud of her. Another big thing, she tried out for the local youth symphony and got in! I think it takes guts to play in front of people you don’t know, could you do it?
I also learned that she likes a messy room, needs to be nagged to practice the violin and prefers to sleep in late! Heh.
What did I learn about Simon?
My only son is the most focused, determined child I know. Homeschooling was the perfect fit for him! Although he enjoys the social aspects of a traditional classroom, he is so much happier being able to read books that interest him and not feel the pressure to perform. He exceeded my expectations!
I appreciated Simon’s new found interest to narrate all the reading assignments he had on a daily basis. I never had a question whether he was comprehending any of the books assigned! This is the beauty of homeschooling, adjusting to fit your child’s way to learn. He felt overwhelmed in the past to regurgitate information by answering questions, now he just has long discussions with me…:)
I am really proud of my Si. He still kept connected with kids from his school, continued on his soccer team and made new friends at the enrichment classes he attended.
What did I learn about Penny?
What can I say? Teaching a 1st grader is challenging!! I applaud all those mothers that have homeschooled all of their children from Kindergarten and on…I only had Penelope to focus on and that is enough!
We DID have a great year. And 1st grade is a BIG YEAR for crying out loud…you are learning to REALLY READ!! I am proud of her. I emphasized to her today, in fact, what a huge achievement she has accomplished. It’s not always easy to remember all of the “rules of reading” and she did it…whew.
I also learned that she is a lover of Michael Jackson music and will dance her heart out. She also LOVES animals, drawing animals and claiming that she is 1/2 dog. I love this kid.
What did my kids learn about me?
I can be flexible, but still need to work on it sometimes…
I am human.
I love them.
I cry with frustration.
I am PROUD of them.
I love to learn with them.
I am so very happy with our life.
Are we going to do this crazy homeschooling thing again next year? Yep.
