Homeschooling So Far...

"So how's homeschooling going?" is the question I get more often than not.  And the God's honest truth is I can't believe we've almost made it through our first year!! It has been such a blessing.  Some days are hard and some run smoothly, but overall I am thankful that I have had this time to be with Lucy Mills and pour into her.  

The fall was great.  When fall started we dropped McClain off at preschool and then headed home for some one-on-one time to plow through that day's assignments.  I am astounded by what the mind of a five year old is capable of learning (and remembering!!)  She absorbs information like a sponge and pushes herself without much prompting from me.  This semester she has really taken off reading and I love seeing her desire for learning increase. 

We usually hit up our local library a few times a week.  We love books.  

On Thursdays we are a part of our community's Classical Conversations.  What a gift this group of like-minded families has been for us.  Lucy Mills has really responded well to the classical model of education, and after much prayer we have decided to stick with this path again next year. 

Her tutor (it's her teacher at CC, but we refer to them as tutors because parents are the teachers at home) could not be anymore amazing.  Mrs. Fudge makes school fun for these kiddos and she is so gentle with these 5 and 6 year olds.

Every week at CC each student has to get in front of the class to do a presentation on a different subject.  The assigned topics vary from choosing a favorite Bible story, Bible verse, dressing up and acting like a favorite person from history. A few times she has done a demonstration of an activity.  This week she is giving some interesting facts about a president.  Lucy Mills chose James Madison - our fourth president.  (I'm enjoying getting my education all over again with her!) 

Another homeschooling perk (other than attending class in your undies!) is that we are free to spend time talking about character qualities, what the Bible has to say about certain things, and teaching them to pray for our day and for others.  

We are blessed with sweet friends to do life alongside this path.  

When I asked Lucy Mills what her favorite subject has been this year she said Latin.  She does not get this from me...like I said I'm learning right alongside her. 

Since we finish our schoolwork right before lunchtime, we head to pick up McClain from preschool, then meet up with other homeschooling friends at the park on pretty days.  I pack picnic lunches for the kids and they have a few hours to run around, play with friends, and enjoy childhood.  

Our schedules have allowed time to do new activities.  Both children have started gymnastics and both love it.  

Lucy Mills has started piano lessons with the sweetest teacher, Ms. Emily. We've been told Lucy Mills has a great listening ear for hearing music.  

Both kids are playing on a soccer team this spring.  Their best bud William is playing, and his dad is the coach.  McClain is a little young this year but we wanted to include him.  Lucy Mills on the other hand dominates the ball and runs those boys up and down the field.  

She also loves tennis.  We took a little break from practice over the winter months but now she's back out on the courts.  She says this sport is her favorite. 

Homeschooling is a mixed bag.  Somedays I am beyond thankful that I have the opportunity to be with my child and be her teacher.  Other days I question myself and wonder what in the world have I gotten myself into?  Being mother and teacher is a lot to tackle sometimes.  But I truly feel like God has laid this calling on my heart and I want to see it through until He gives me a peace to switch paths.  And my little student is thriving.  She loves to learn, she loves that boost of confidence from seeing herself succeed, and she loves being with me.  Our relationship has grown much tighter and much sweeter over the course of this year.  She is growing into a little girl who I geniunly enjoy spending time with, having conversations with, and just being around.  Life seems to be passing by faster and faster, but I will always be thankful for this time I've had with my sweet girl.  Time I can't get back.