Amber asked

Let's not get so excited, shall we?!

This is from my niece, Amber on the subject of home schooling.

How is homeschooling with Grace? [our 7-year old] How did you make it through high school homeschooling Chelsie [21 now]? There are days I'm not sure if I can homeschool another day, then there are the days, like our Science Fun day, that keep me going. But I have to be honest, I am concerned about the H.S. years!!!

.

Homeschooling Grace is a completely different experience than it was with Chelsie. Don't get me wrong, I love doing this. It's just a little more challenging and takes a little more time on my part with Grace, because she is a completely different learner than I am. I'm learning how to 'get in her head' and see how she processes her instructions and school work and flow with that.

As for making it through the highschool years with Chelsie, you'd probably be better off asking her--no don't, she might tell you things I don't want to hear!

When Chels began 9th grade we purchased an entire highschool curriculum covering the book of Genesis, which of course incorporated all of the necessary academic subjects required for each year. It was an excellent curriculum, but the first year was almost entirely science-oriented. I know you're probably thinking, 'Well duh, you're talking the book of Genesis'! We worked out of every science book--earth, biology, chemistry--and it was a hiney-kicker for sure. Because neither of our brains lean towards the scientific, it was hard to understand and retain. Our mantra for that year was 'glean'. Let's just glean what we can out of this. It did get easier.

I was also fortunate that Sunny was a whiz at math, because he was able to continue helping where math left me--I believe that was about 3rd grade!!! ;)

We chose to homeschool through the highschool years because we felt it was the best choice for Chels all the way around. We especially enjoyed the freedom to do things, go places and visit folks without being tied down to a public school schedule.

I know it can be so frustrating at times for you, especially having 3 kiddos. Because of the 13-year age difference between our girls, we've obviously raised/are raising them one at a time! But even with one, there are days when you feel like pulling your hair out. Let's face it, we live in a fun-oriented world. A lot of children have the idea that if something isn't fun or exciting, then it's BOORRRING! One thing that we're helping Grace with is understanding that some of the subjects aren't always going to be 'fun and games', just like doing laundry or the dishes isn't 'fun' for me, but it has to get done regardless. (Remember our science?!)

The biggest challenge is getting a handle on their different learning styles, like I mentioned above, and trying to patiently flow with that. Which means what works for one child won't necessarily work for another. For instance, it was a breeze for Chels to learn how to read. She picked up books and has never put them down. With Grace, it hasn't actually been until this year that she's shown a real desire to read on her own, and that has to be out loud. She still hasn't got the concept of reading silently to herself. She'd rather be dancing! I actually know of some who don't 'get' reading until 9 or 10, and there's nothing wrong with that.

And then there are the days when the sweet little princess wakes up on the wrong side of the bed (that would be me)! That's when I say, DAY OFF! And then off we go to the library, or the park and just spend time together outside of the house. I actually did this yesterday (Wed.). It was a nice day to regroup, and I just had her do a little extra today.

Three more thoughts:

-- Because of the undivided attention you can give each of your kiddos, they are probably learning far more than you think--even when everyone might be having a bad day.

--Never compare your child's progress with that of another child. You know your kiddo best and know what works for them.

--Relax, and make sure your kids know who's the Teacher!

I don't claim to know everything there is to know about home education even after graduating Chels. But, there are so many resources, groups, blogs, web sites etc. out there that can answer about any question you or anyone might have.

.

(((You're an excellent Mom, Amber, and doing a fine job!)))

.

Next up: Memaw Asked

It's All THAT'S MY CALLING Good!

.