Homeschool Journey - Part 5

In the last quarter, our homeschool days have prove to be a challenge. As most of you (if you can remember) we were in the States for the whole month of November, which pushed back our homeschool almost a whole month. We were on a roll too!! We started this year in early August, but I also knew a head of time about about our trip to the States.

Well, some of the things I have learned, being that this is our first year, I am not exactly curriculum in-a-box type of gal. I knew that before-hand honestly, but with much discussion with the Hubby, it was the smartest thing to do. Truly, I love using A Beka curriculum. I love every subject they cover, the Bible classes are outstanding, and it is very Christ-centered and that is exactly what we wanted and received. Really, the only thing we have changed is that we now are not sending in the children's grades, I am keeping them in my records...so we are not so time constricted.

Also, my children going from public school to homeschooling, I feel the transitioning is not so traumatic. Meaning, A Beka is work-based oriented---worksheets and repetition is a key factor with A Beka, but I know the children (while tedious) are retaining the information they are given.

At first look, A Beka's spelling and penmanship are a little daunting because--well for example, my third grader has about 22 (on average) words per week. In public school it might have been 10 words per week. My 6th grader has about 35 words per week...to me that is a bit much.

But---outside of class and in everyday living, I can see the results. My Ethan (6th grader) will point out one of his 'words' and give the definition and again it's being reinforced in real-time, real-life circumstances. I know that happens with all children, but I find it all the more special that I am learning with him and I know where he's coming from--because I help facilitate that knowledge. I LOVE IT!!

I know that being the first year homeschool mother---it's like being a mother (for the first time) we are obsessed with: are they breathing a night (we go check to make sure they are) or are they eating enough; getting the nutrition they need? Are they learning the material or are they at 'grade' level? It's all very abstract, but being the humans we are--we want concrete evidence AND this is where God comes into the picture.

We try to rely on ourselves only, but I know that I can't do this by myself, homeschooling...no homeschool mother or teacher (in general) is perfect or really is apt to homeschool/teach...it's something God lays on your heart to do...because the most important education you can give to your children is to rely on God and the knowledge of Salvation. To know that God loves them, even though we are sinful beings, we are loved.

So, even if we are a little behind (my) schedule --we are definitely where God wants us to be... While doing my own bible study for the next 6 weeks, the main verse this week is, 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I AGREE!

Here's to finishing the year strong...we are over the (hump) of our first year...and enjoying the frustrations and joys of homeschooling. I will leave you with some of my favorite verses in the Bible that I constantly re-read during our homeschool days:

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:11

"And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" - Colossians 3:23

and

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." - Matthew 6:34

Quote: Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted.