A lot happened this year and in the midst of it all we started our hscholing adventure. I was at the end of a difficult pregnancy, our beloved Nie Nie passed away suddenly, a little sister was born and then was hospitalized for RSV a few short months later, and then just throw in there everyday life. To say the last year was a challenge is an understatement. But even though there were many rough "life" moments, we still accomplished A LOT and had A LOT of fun in our first year of hschooling!
I learned a lot about my oldest little red headed boy and our relationship grew in many ways, ways I never would of even thought! My favorite part of the year was watching all the little "light bulb" moments when something would sink and he would "get it"! At the beginning of the year I was so worried if I would be able to teach Charlie to read, it was really my biggest fears about hschooling. Being able to read and read well, is such an important foundation for ones' educational career, let alone life! I was grateful to be the one to watch him on the road to reading. To be with him when he read his first word, sentence and then book! We are so proud of him and all the accomplishments that he made this year!
Looking back on this year I can definitely say it wasn't so much about what Charlie learned, but learning how he learns. Our boy is a mover, full of energy and needs a lot of reminders to stay on task. So, pretty much like every other 6 year old little boy ;) He needs lots of activity and learns best mid morning. He also does very well with manipulatives and hands on projects.
I quickly learned that if he had a good grasp on a math subject then he didn't need to do 4 weeks of review, one was more then enough for him and he retained the information when I would go back and review with him. We worked closely with his K12 "teacher" and she encouraged us to work at a pace that was good for Charlie. Some subjects we sailed through, others we stayed on target. Charlie finished some of his subjects in April, and was completed with his work in the beginning of May. The school year officially ended in June. We didn't follow the K12 school year, but took off time when we needed to...like when baby sister was born :)
Charlie's favorite activities this year included writing in his journal, specifically making up "Choo Choo stories" and the LEGO class that he participated in at our co-op. We both really enjoyed all the time we spent together, especially our reading time snuggled up on the couch.
Not only did I learn a lot about Charlie this year, but I also learned a lot about myself. I am learning how to be more organized and seeing how that greatly affects the atmosphere in our home. I also was reminded how more times then not, less is actually more and that I need to even further simplify our lives! It was also made very apparent to me this year that I must carve out even 10-15 minutes a day for reading the scriptures and prayer time. My life is full to the brim with responsibilities. I rarely have a quiet moment during the day to myself (not even in the bathroom :), and I would NOT have it any other way. But, I have to make my relationship with the Lord first and foremost! Even if that means that something else does not get done for the day!
This year was such a blessing! I am so grateful to be able to educate our children at home. I am happy that they are enjoying their school time and look forward to it (they are still kids and will sometimes cringe when I say "school time!" :). There were plenty of struggles and challenges, tears were shed and voices raised, but there was much more joy, happiness, learning and love that was experienced!! It was far better then I could of expected!
My Dearest Charlie,
I had so much fun with you this year. Learning right along side of you and watching you grow! I pray that God will guide me as your Mommy and teacher, that I might follow His plan for you in all areas of your life! I am so grateful for the time we got to spend together! It is priceless and I will cherish this year for all my life! I love you so much and I am so excited to see all the cool things you will do this year as a BIG first grader!!!
Love you baby!
Love,
Mommy
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Way to go on your first year, I remember taking a big, month long deep breath after that first one and how good it felt to have done it. Such a gift and privilege to get to teach your child to read and watch them 'get it'. So, so special.
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