Thursday, June 15, 2006

In the Home Stretch!!!

I can't believe it, but I can see the end in sight....our first year homeschooling!!!  It has gone so fast.  And it has been more successful than I'd ever dared dream!  It was a hard year, homeschooling and working, but it's been a satisfying year.  I can't give you a run down of all the blessings because there isn't a list.  I'm just thankful that we survived.     We used ACE which I am familiar with so there was no bumbling around trying to figure out what we were doing for our first year, no trying to figure out the curriculum, not even any doubts as to whether I was even doing the right thing in taking my kids out of the public school system.   The proof is in the pudding, so to speak.     Tori has gone from a 70's average to a 90's.  Her attitude and behaviour have improved by leaps and bounds, and she is actually a joy to be around.  A lot of time, energy, and prayer has been invested in her this year.  The Friday Group has been awesome for her, and she has had the opportunity to make some money by babysitting for a family around the corner on a regular basis.      Belle has done wonderfully well in her new Christian school.  They also use ACE so we ran on their academic schedule at home.  Everyone loves her at school and she has fit in extremely well.  She is thankful that she is around other people who share her faith but she does still miss her public school friends.  Next year, I'll have to make more of an effort to get her together with them.  They were a good bunch of girls.  Belle also made Honour Roll and has an average in the 90's.  It has been a great learning experience for me working in the school one day a week.  I work with the teens and there is never a dull moment in that learning centre!      As for little mister Hunter, I had to let go of my grand notions of homeschooling him!    It is so different teaching a boy.  He was very unfocused and undisciplined, easily frustrated and impatient.  After a few months, I decided that my homeschooling year with him would be a success if I could just teach him to write his name!  Well, mission accomplished!    He does love to be read to and he loves putting together puzzles with me.  Since he was four, though, I really wasn't going to push him.  The hardest thing I did was leave him once a week with my girlfriend as babysitter.  Although I liked working in the school, it is a long day and hard for me to be away from him.  I've never had to leave any of my children before to work.  Next year, I'm hoping to work three mornings instead of all day.  As for his schooling in the fall, he had his entrance test this week and passed so as long as there are some other kindergartners, he will go to Belle's school.  He will only go four mornings a week.  It will be perfect for him since he needs to be around kids more.      So, I think that pretty much sums up our year.  I am so looking forward to being off, spending time at the beach, getting some rest and relaxation....oh, and sleeping in....and not making lunches....or keeping a schedule....and driving Belle to school....and.....!!!

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