School: My Thoughts, Views and Our Story

~ Homeschooling isn't just about academics, it's a lifestyle. 

And it's what we've chosen for our kids. ~

When Joshua was five years old, I began exploring school options for him. A friend of ours had been homeschooling their son who was a year older than Joshua and really encouraged me to try it out. The thought of it was overwhelming and so we ended up sending him to kindergarten that fall. The year was rough on him. He was frequently bored and spent much time away from others because he'd be done sooner than the others and would become a distraction. The teacher was fresh out of college and this was her first year. I had no idea what to do either and having the mind-set of "finish what we began", he endured the 10 months of kindergarten. I knew I had to do something different for grade one so I did some research and the next year, he was registered for school at home. He flew through the grade one books that I bought and it quickly became clear that moving at his pace was the way to go.

In the meantime, Andrea was in the same kindergarten that Joshua was. Her time in the classroom was alright but she had her first taste of physical bullying at the young age of five. I wish I was bolder and braver then because I wouldn't have made her endure the year. Why nothing was done, I don't know. Even though that is in the past, some of those memories still rise up in her. She too began the homeschooling adventure when she was in grade one.

The year was pretty busy with a grade two, grade one and toddler hanging out but we did it. Lots of reading together, writing and staying on target with their Language Arts.

I have tried lots of different home education formats. From being 100% aligned with the curriculum guidelines to the opposite end of the spectrum, being traditional to a blended program where the kids went to school twice a week and I homeschooled the other three days. For three and a half years, the blended program worked really well. Arianna was in grade one, Andrea grade five and Joshua grade six. In February of 2011, Doug and I made the choice to take the kids out of the school system and begin full time homeschooling again.

Since 2011, the kids have stayed on target with their math and LA skills. For science we did units on astronomy and social looked at some government and Bible history. Last year was a little different as Joshua was preparing to transition into the local high school. He did aligned courses in math, LA and social and did very well. He didn't do the science course. Was he unprepared for what grade 10 had to offer? Probably. Will he succeed? Absolutely.

Andrea is currently in grade nine. She is doing an aligned math curriculum and her LA skills will come out as she writes essays and reports on the medieval history lessons that she's reading about. For science this year, both girls are doing Anatomy and Physiology together. Arianna is working on grade five level vocabulary, spelling, reading and writing and her social is learning about the geography of Canada. Andrea intends to continue and complete her education at home. I don't know what that looks like today... I'm not looking at next fall yet. I also know her character and work ethic and believe with all my heart that she will succeed in whatever she does. If she choses to change her mind, then that will be okay but for now, I'm sure that she will do her high school years in the dining room.

Homeschooling the kids was not a choice that Doug and I made lightly. We prayed about it often, and still do. Until we feel led otherwise, we believe that this is the best choice for our kids and our family.

Transition...

As I've mentioned before, Joshua's schooling has taken a different twist. He's gone from a very traditional approach to being aligned in Math, Language Arts and Social. It's been a rough couple weeks as the two of us are learning an entirely new computer program, new teachers and the biggest thing: deadlines. He's done a few quizzes and last week handed in a math assignment to be marked. He could receive help from me as needed (we are still HOMEschooling) with the intent of doing the work on his own. I received his marks in an email today and I am SO proud to say he earned a 95%!

I was never a really smart kid in school and so to have a child who has a 85% average in Math and an 80% in LA is enough to make me cry with pride. He's learning to apply himself, he's figuring out studying and test taking skills and I think he will do great!

Wordless Wednesday (09.11.13)

 The tomato that grew in the "garden-wanna-be" at my mother in law's house.

 Grandma often has something for the kids to do when we visit... she is awesome!

 I love watching her sleep.

 Andrea and Darrell practicing for the worship set coming up on Sunday!

 Joshua's transition into online learning! A whole new deal.

My beautiful girl turned 13 yesterday! What a blessing she is to our family!

Day One of School, 2013/2014

Well, I survived. I was initially a little worried because Joshua's way of schooling is taking a 180* turn. He's going from traditional to aligned in three subjects. And he's doing them online. I think it'll be a good year of transition as he considers going to high school in grade 10 or 11. I'm not rushing him by any means but I do want him ready if he choses that way.

Andrea did almost all her stuff on her own today. She's become very independent and I'm thinking of some online next year for her as well.

Arianna did what I figured she'd do for grade 4. A little bit of writing. A little vocabulary and a touch of math. She played a lot with Sarah as well which was a nice help this afternoon.

Sarah spent her morning with "a best ever Sh'eem" who is an amazing blessing to me and my family. Shaneen loves Sarah and Sarah had a great time playing with and entertaining Shaneen.

I think overall, it was a good first day. It always takes us some time to get into the groove of things and I know that everything will fall into place over time.

Happy first day of school!

Seasons

We all go through different seasons... not the 4 physical ones that come every year, but rather seasons of friends, family members, hardships and joys.  There's many more, but they are personalized, depending on the person.  Last week, I took the kids to a barbeque picnic with their former school mates.  (We had pulled them out of the part time program in February).  This was to give the kids the chance to see their friends in a large group for {probably} the last time.  It didn't take long for me to realize that even after four short months, the relationships had drastically changed.  The older kids all found the one or two friends that they were really looking forward to seeing and I just ended up watching them for the time.  I actually felt that we were intruding on the school's picnic and wasn't totally sure we were welcome.  An odd feeling to be sure.
I felt that we were no longer part of the *community* of Stony Creek.  It was sad for me in a few ways.  One being, that unless I put the kids back in the program (which probably won't happen), that "family" feel is gone.  I am so thankful for the amazing friendships I have built with some moms over the years and I hope and pray we continue to be friends.  There are a few women who I have shared and opened so much of my heart with and I love them for it.  I hope my children continue to phone the friends they've made and that those friends call them up as well.  When we left the school, it wasn't my intent to drop all relationships but instead to keep close the ones we all had made.and build on them.  
I am in a season of pouring much of my energies into my four amazing children.  I am mothering them.  Teaching them.  Loving them.  Advocating for them.  Supporting and loving them with all my heart.  This is what God wants me to do, where He wants me to be and this is the season I'm in.

Today

Today is the last morning that the kids will go to school on a Tuesday or Thursday.  After much consideration, discussion and prayer, Doug and I have decided to return to full-time home schooling for Joshua, Andrea, and Arianna.  It is very important to note that we still support the Stony Creek program, and that we are thankful for the time and effort that everyone involved has put into the education of our children.  The best learning path will be different for each and every student (and that includes adults too!).  For our family, we have reached the conclusion that home schooling is the best route at this time.  With Doug’s travel for work, it will also allow us to go with him as a family... seeing different areas of Western Canada, interacting with different people, and learning about the world we live in by physically being in it.  This is an opportunity that we simply can’t take advantage of while being part of the Stony Creek program. 

The driving factor for us has been a verse from the Bible that has been at the forefront of our thoughts since July of last year: “Train your child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (emphasis added) We have prayed this verse since last July and we are now following through on what we believe will be best for our kids.  

Truth be told, I am sad at the thought of leaving for the last time tomorrow.  The relationships I have developed with the teachers, particularly the girls', goes way beyond the typical parent/teacher relationship.  I consider her a friend and intend to continue our friendship as we embark on this next phase of the home school journey.  I value her opinions, insights and views and I leave the school knowing she had a profound impact on my childrens' lives.  I left the school feeling supported, encouraged and appreciated by all three of my kids' teachers. 

I look forward to teaching the kids with eager anticipation.  I'm excited to see them learn things with  Doug and I and to see how our family will grow stronger together because of this change.  I am looking forward to embark on the new phase of our schooling journey.

I love my kids

Because I love them:

• I am their advocate when they need support and encouragement
• To the best of my ability, I will make sure they are safe, happy and healthy
• I will listen to their side of the story first and hear them out
• I know what is best for them
• I will make sure they do their best in everything they do
• I will teach them to be respectful, polite and courteous
• I will not show them the easy way all the time 
• They will be taught and shown how to succeed in life
• Life skills will be learned how I want them to be learned
• I get to decide how they they will be educated
• I will help them best they can be
• They will love God and be taught how to be like Jesus, even if it is a daily reminder

Tuesday Musings

I've been slacking on the blog end of things lately and it was actually my husband who brought it to my attention.  I just haven't felt like anything has been worth writing about.  So in point form, I will simply update about what's going on here:

- Sarah is infatuated with shoes.  A pink pair of Mary Janes to be exact.

- Advil was my friend today.

- I like the tins that tea comes in.  But I don't like loose tea leaves.  Thankfully, Doug does and he happily uses up the leaves and brings home the empty tins.  *love him*

- I love my kids' school, their teachers and the fact that they only go twice a week.

- I love my homeschooling group of friends.

- I love breakfast for supper... or anytime for that matter.

- I wish I knew more about my camera.

- Andrea and Sarah are becoming great friends.

- Arianna is doing so well in school. *smile* 

- After buying another pair of shoes (on clearance) for Sarah, I think I know where she gets her love of shoes from...

- I have only spent one day at home alone with Sarah since school started.

- I would like to scrapbook more.

- Doug and I have been doing biweekly breakfast dates.  It is such a refreshing time to catch up on each other.

Her own sense of style!

The tins

The pink shoes

The new purple shoes

Such a good big brother

Not sure about this one...

Sarah now "smiles" on command

Painting with Sarah

 

Off they go...

... to school.  I am SO glad they are only gone twice a week.  I'd miss them terribly!  I do feel blessed to have access to a program that I can home education 75% of the time and have them experience a traditional school as well.  Anyhow, here's the pictures of my munchkins ready for their day!

Starting the day right... with pancakes!

Excited and slightly apprehensive...

Not sure what this look says...

My 10 year old looking SO grown up! 

My 11 year old looking just AS grown up... a young man indeed!

Not so sure yet...

And then there was one!

September 1st...

There's a lot of hype in my social circle as today is when most of the kids return to school.  I say "most" because my own will be home today.  They will go to school tomorrow and then home again on Friday.  In case you are new to my blog or didn't know, my kids go to school part time and are homeschooled part time.  They attend a small school specifically designed for home educators and are taught by teachers on Tuesday and Thursday.  The subjects done at school are Social, Science, Art, Gym, and Music while I teach Math and Language Arts at home on the other three days.  I'm not 100% sure when I will begin the home part... maybe today, maybe Friday or maybe even next Monday.  That's the joy of home education.
I want to be organized this year.  Generally, I don't like to stick to a hard schedule but I'd like to follow some sort of  routine.
My goals this school year are:

• to maintain a positive attitude towards learning and hope my kids do the same
• to help build into their lives, a solid foundation that is Christ Centered
• to make Bible study (reading, learning, living) a daily focus
• to encourage the kids' potential to the fullest and making them proud of what they do and who they are
• reading... lots of reading.  I hope that they will learn to love to read like I do

It's going to be a good year.  I have one in grade 6, one in grade 5 and one in grade 1.  Here's to a new year!!

Back to School Pictures...

So the kids don't go back until next Thursday and since I'm homeschooling, it doesn't matter when I take their pictures!  Here's just a few... it wasn't a great photo shoot but it's ok.... for now.

Bittersweet...

Today, Joshua and Andrea went back to school (of sorts). They attend a program that is for homeschoolers while allowing the kids to go to school twice a week. I settled the kids in for their first day and Andrea eagerly waved me off. Joshua was a little apprehensive as his grade moved into the room of junior high students. But he gave me a half hearted wave and I took my leave with two in tow.

The house was eerily quiet as Sarah went for a nap and Arianna did some crafting. The non stop jabbering of kids and make believe play wasn't there and I felt like I should be doing something more productive than *playing* with Arianna. I also know she was missing them as much as I was. I watched the clock until I knew I could leave to get them without being too early and with joy in my heart, I picked them up at 3:00. The van was full of news, updates and information as we made the short drive home.

An hour later and Arianna has her buddies back home and things resume.... the way I like it.

The 2008/09 School Year

For the second year, Joshua and Andrea attended a part time school program that works with the homeschooling. I can't believe how much they have grown up physically, in maturity, socially, and spiritually. They've come a long way in 10 months and although this was a fun, exciting and successful school year, I am really looking forward to the summer break. Next step, grade 4 & 5! Way to go kids, I'm proud of you both!!

September 2, 2008

June 25, 2009