For two weeks now, I’ve planned a weekly report, but I missed out on the Sunday a week ago, and I was determined to not spend Resurrection Sunday on the computer. So, I’ll resign my ambitions to a mid-April (can’t believe I’m saying that!) progress report.
There’s a popular book entitled All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. I’ve never read it, but the title speaks volumes. I am increasingly convinced that kindergarten is one of the toughest years in school. Sometimes I listen to her read, or watch her complete operations in math that I didn’t do until 2nd grade (like “carrying” or “borrowing” from the one’s place to the ten’s place), and I have to remind myself that she’s only five!
Our son is continuing to thrive this year, both in school and out. He’s studying land animals this year, and even though we don’t live in the country, we’ve had wonderful opportunities to collect tracks and map animals that we will probably never get to actually see. He won first place in his last dance competition, out-dancing three girls, including two of his classmates. He and his duet partner were the only competitors in their category, so they automatically took a first-place ribbon. He has another competition this-coming weekend, and I’m hoping that this one doesn’t have him dancing on Sunday morning. I’m seeing that we’ll have to pray on this effort as missing church to dance doesn’t align with anything our family values. (Editorial note: I found out that he does indeed have to dance on Sunday, but at an hour that allows us to get to church).
The oldest is growing more and more comfortable in her increasingly independent skin. It’s amazing that, of the three children, she needs the most affection and affirmation—completely different from everything we are trained to think about kids as they grow older. A fellow homeschooler shared an article with me from an “oldie, but goodie,” the Elijah Company. They don’t sell anymore as the bigger internet supermarkets like Christian Book Distributors and Amazon have entered the market, but their wisdom is timeless. Although I would have never articulated with this level of eloquence, “Identity Directed Home Schooling” is exactly where we are right now, and I’m so thankful that there are others who’ve left a wealth of rich bread crumbs to help lead us home, wherever we define that to be. Anyway, her birthday is in less than 2 weeks, and she’s enjoying the one gift she asked for early—a sleek, shiny, purple cell phone—oh oh! As if all this change wasn’t enough, she, too, has been asked about dance competition on next year. Vegetarianism, here we come.
I'm glad that you have a blog. I found you from your website blessed heritage.
I look forward to learning and observing your homeschool. We are so few and it's always a pleasure to find older AA homeschoolers.
Zinnada<><
Sounds like they are doing great. Congrats to your son, and the animal study sounds so fun.
Carrying and borrowing in K? Daniella is in 1st, and we're not doing that yet. I encourage you (even though it's none of my business!), that if it's stressing her, to let it go for now. There is PLENTY of time to learn it and stay up to par. (haha. You'll find that in the Elijah Co.. info, too! : ) )
I love the Elijah Co. info.. If you can ever get a hold of one of their old catalogs, grab it.. It has wonderful aritcles. They also have a book and cds with their info still for sale. I have met the Davises on several occasions, and Briana has danced several times with one of their sons. In a desperate phone call, Chris Davis saved us with Marissa learning to read~ that "time to back off" approach, and it was the best thing we could have done. Their Identity Directed Learning has been great for our family. They closed their business because all of their children were grown, and they were ready to move on to new pursuits.
I hope the end of April goes just as peacefully and joyfully!
Letitia
Belinda, I obviously misunderstood what you were saying in your post, and I'm sorry if I offended you. It was not my intention to butt in. I think it's time for me to stop blogging.
Letitia
I miss the wisdom of Elijah Company. They were great. Congrads to your son! Good job to him.
Blessings,
Dawn
I added a Mr. Linky to my weekly wrapup today, but it doesn't look right to me. I am inspired by all of your writings. You put so much thought into what you do.
Carol