I know I seem to write more about my oldest son Josh. Here is another post about him. I was telling my Sweets that he is so needy. It seems I spend most of my schooling time with him. I'm trying to figure out how not to leave any of the other children out because Josh needs me so much.

Today I was going to start my one-on-one time with Brent but Joshua missed so much of his math problems yesterday that I decided to go over his math 'real quick' to get him started. I talked to my Sweets and we both agreed to have him do an hour of math. I printed of three worksheets from Calculadders. All subtraction & addition.With addition I printed of double & triple digits. I told Josh that he is to spend and hour a day on math. I expect him to get three pages done. If he finished early I have more pages for him. I did this because I don't want him to rush through math thinking that if he finished in half an hour he is free.

He brought back his work with quiet a few mistakes. I had him go back and correct them.

After seeing which ones he missed I had a talk with him and told him that we are going to back up. Tomorrow he is going to start with Beta from Math-U-See. I think he can finish this by March. I really think he needs to do this again. He is forgetting when to carry. Once he finishes I'll have him do Gamma again and hopefully finish with Delta in the Summer.

I also bought Key to Measurements so he can work on this along with Beta & Gamma. Not sure if it will work but he wants to do it. We will give it a try.

Although I don't really like to see him going so far back, I know it will really help. He has memorized all his add. sub. & mult. so he has no problem with that. He knows something about regrouping because he does get problems right. I think hearing the lessons and doing them over will get it cemented in his brain.

All I know is I am not a believer in delayed math, grammar or anything. All my children this year are doing some kind of grammar. From here on out Grade 1 you start grammar. Same with spelling. This year only Annette & Josh have a spelling program but next year from 1st grade and up, everyone is doing spelling.

With math, no more non traditional math programs except for Annette & Josh. I'll continue with what they are using. The rest are going to start from 1st grade with a traditional math program. I have always started math in 1st grade though. I hope to only use one math program. No more combining. I'm going to most likely use Christian Light math and Rainbow Rock cd-rom for reinforcement and learning number bonds. (I really do like Singapore)

Can you tell I'm a bit discouraged today . I know this to shall pass. I think it more frustrating for me the teacher than it is for Josh. He didn't seem to mind about going over Beta. One great thing (among many) about Josh is he is a trooper. We just need to work extra hard to get from point A to point B. High School seems like it's just around the corner and I want him to be ready. It seems like yesterday that he was in Kindergarten. I still remember our first day .

Annette is a self starter. She doesn't need me to keep pushing her. She can sit at her desk and work through all her subjects. Then she will help with the younger children until I can go do Grammar & Writing with her. So different I tell ya

I'm am so thankful that we homeschool. I know someone who does not homeschool or believes in homeschooling is going to read this is thinking that I have no right to homeschool my children and it's my fault for homeschooling him without being a certified teacher. But imagine my son being in school and not understanding and still being passed on or put into a 'special' class making him feel "not as smart" as the others. Here at home he is in a loving environment and is encouraged. I am so grateful that he is home where I can cater to his needs. Even if it means repeating a workbook over. I find it a privilege to make it my responsibility to educate and help him succeed.

Being a Christian I know we will get through this. God said, "Never will I leave your, never will I forsake you." He never said it wold be easy either. I often tell Josh that maybe in his future he is going to go through times like this and God is preparing him. As for me I see God working in my life, he continues to chip away at things. I pray for wisdom, patience, meekness, kindness, being more loving in hard situations and God is giving me opportunities like this to work on those qualities.

Yes, I feel a little bit discouraged today but I know that everything works for good and I have Christ who gives me strength daily. Besides he wouldn't give me more than I could handle

In Him,

Linda<><

Email me at Homeschooling6[At]hotmail[Dot]com.