First Day of Homeschool 2014

Dressed for success ~ pajama style! 

  With all my friends posting pictures of their kids first day back to school...I thought why shouldn't we!?!   This year is going to be magical.  We're going to wake up every morning with a smile and stay on task all day...NOT!  That's the joy of homeschooling.  You get to adjust with an ever changing schedule.  Some nights we doing work till 9 p.m.  My oldest has violin lessons 3 times a week - so the younger 2 have their to-go book bags ready for all appointments/lessons/etc.  And while the others are doing their time with the their speech pathologist, the oldest will be doing his weekly book report.  While all 3 have karate in the evening - mommy gets her writing time in.  :D    

  I have a plan.  A to-do list, and as much ambition as these boys, (most days).  The home school laws for our state are VERY lenient, but I do have OCD and a heart for routine and scheduling.  Each child has their own accountability binder.  Attendance will be recorded, daily and weekly goals set, graded projects collected, and a large folder for art projects. 

  Even though they have required hours to do 'school' work...we always end up going WAYYYYY beyond the requirements.  They only had a few short breaks over summer and since Christmas -we've been going on as many educational field trips as possible.  Before you start feeling sorry for these boys, they do get free time and organized play time with other kids.  Both are equally important with having well rounded behavior.   

  In addition to Math, English, Science, Social Studies...they have more electives than most kids their age.  They finished fencing at the beginning of the summer, now they are doing archery and karate.   We also use the Xbox Kinnect for Gym on too hot/cold/rainy days.  Add to the list Shop Class.  They love their wood-working projects!  Don't forget piano lessons, Latin, typing, library, health, etc... 

  I want my children to have every chance for success in this dog-eat-dog world.  As they learn and develop into young men, my goal for them is to have clarity as to what their heart wants and how to apply their minds and talents to chart that course.  As a stay at home mother and educator, I'm very confident in these boys.  I get the privilege to hone in on them - one at a time, to tailor their education to their needs rather then push them along.  If one isn't grasping a concept or needs more review time, I have that opportunity to put on my tutor 'hat' and keep on keeping on.     

  God created humans with our heads above our hearts, reminding us that we must develop our emotional capacity under the tutelage of the mind to be greater service to God and mankind.  

  Whether you're homeschooling or sending yours truly off - we hope you have a great school year of reading, learning and growth!