A Quick Review of our School Year

A homeschooling mother's job is  never done.  I have learned this.  We have finished up the school year and I am planning and buying supplies for next year.  I wanted to recap the year.

For Laura, my fourth grader, we started out the year trying the Charlotte Mason approach.  We stuck with it for half the year, using Heart of Dakota.  I liked the program, but for Laura, it wasn't working.  I think it was just too different from what she was used to.  She just didn't like the approach.  We switched to ACE after Christmas break.  She liked that much better.  She did nearly a year of work from January until mid-May.  For math, she actually did a lot more than a year's worth.  I worried that it was too easy for her, but we supplemented with lots of reading.

Laura read or had read to over 70 books this year.  Her favorite read aloud was George Mueller.  She couldn't pick a favorite book.  She loved Little Women and the Dear America book.  I laugh cause I know how tough it can be to pick a favorite.  Laura covered a lot of material this year.  Next year, as we prepare for the Middle School years, things may be a bit tougher.  I'm not overly worried, however.  I think Laura can handle the challenge.

We would stick with ACE next year, just because it worked for Laura, except that cost is a factor.  For the price, I just can't see using a consumable product for EVERY subject.  I want to be able to use products with my younger daughter.  I don't mind consumable workbooks or worktexts here or there, but not for every single subject.  Some books, like readers and certain texts, can be used over and over.   Next year I am looking into a bit of a traditional program that contains more books instead of workbooks.

Tasha worked through two years of English in one year, on top of her other subjects.  She finished it all with flying colors.  I was very nervous to bring home a high schooler to homeschool.  Yet, she has done amazing.  She says she has learned a lot more than she would have in public school.  That says a lot for my girl that has spent the majority of her school time on honor roll.  I was quite angry at first at the bad teacher that caused so many problems for my daughter that I felt I had to pull her from school.  Now, I think it is a God thing.  She has excelled in homeschooling.  She has started to like reading again.  She is not nearly as shy as she used to be.  She is happier and more sure of herself.  She is also closer to God.  Her favorite subject this year was her Bible class.

Next year we are debating between staying with ACE or switching to Alpha Omega.  The teacher that runs the Christian school that we are going through for Tasha's homeschooling is setting it up to do both.  We may end up with a hodge-podge of stuff.  I feel that Tasha will excel with either choice.   She is very independent in her studies.  I don't think she scored less than a 92% on any test.

  We didn't do much with Megan this last year.  At two, I saw no point.  This year I looking into doing a bit more.  We read to Megan, but I think that will increase.  I think we may begin some other activities as well.  I had debated sending her to preschool for a year or two, but I don't think I will this year.  If I feel the urge to do so when she is 4, I'll cross that bridge then.  Right now, I think she'll do much better at home.  She is a bright girl.  She's already wanting to 'do school' like her sisters.  I think we'll just put together some easy, fun activities and do LOTS of reading.  Megan is still young.  I don't want to pressure her.  Right now I am just happy when she goes a day without a potty training accident.

Officially, Laura is now a fifth grader.  Megan has gone from toddler to preschooler.  Tasha is now a senior in high school.  Kim, my oldest, graduates in days.  Jasmine, my only public schooled child left, will be a seventh grader.  It seems that my girls are growing up fast.  I am glad that I get to spend the time with my homeschoolers that I would miss if they were in public school.

This summer my husband and I are planning some outings for our family.  We want to be able to get away here and there.  We are planning some day trips to various places.  Finances are tight, but there are a few free things that we can enjoy together.