Laura has fought the idea from the outset. She is one of the few homeschooled children in this area. She would be the only one to school all year. She wants to be free to just be a kid. She wants to be able to go to sleepovers and play in the sun. She wants to have a fun summer.
I'm not disappointed because we do have things we are going to be doing. Working on Laura's math and reading skills is of the utmost importance. Her reading skills are ok, but her math skills need constant reinforcement so she doesn't lose skills over the summer. I also plan to read aloud to her and her sisters this summer. I usually let read aloud time drop in the summer. Since my children need it and love it so much, I think it's silly to stop. If I can get a chapter a day at bedtime, I'll be satisfied. I know trying to read during the day isn't going to happen. I'm realistic enough to know that, after I get Laura to read and work on math, she'll be out the door as fast as she can.
I agree with the studies that say year round schooling works better. I'm hoping to minimize loss of facts by working in the summer. I just can't do a full course load. First, I don't have materials yet. I am still researching and praying about next year. I have some expenses to cover for my senior in high school and that is playing a part in what I can purchase for my toddler and my up-coming fifth grader. To be honest, we will probably stick to some unit studies, like Before Five in a Row and Beyond Five in a Row for my younger daughters. Not only is the cost lower, but for the quality it can't be beat. However, nothing is for certain yet.
Second, I need a serious break. A lot has happened in the last year, and I need to take some time to rest and refocus on my God-given missions. I have stretched myself too thin, and my home life has suffered. Homeschooling hasn't been as focused as it should be. We covered a lot of ground this year, but it has exhausted me trying to keep up with everything. It's my own fault. I let my other obligations keep me from focusing on the important things... my own spiritual walk, my husband, my children, my call to homeschool, and my home. (Yes, my home. It needs some love too. It's a wreck most of the time and is driving me crazy.)
Third, finally, this is a time of adjusting for us. My husband wants to be a full time pastor. Before we can pay for his schooling, we have to get out of debt. The next few months are going to focus on getting out of debt of everything except the house. (That will take a little longer.) He preached before the church again yesterday. It was a confirmation for him that his calling is to minister. He has the heart for it. He loves Jesus with a deep, passionate love. He loves other people and is always wanting to serve them. I can't express enough what an amazing pastor he will be. I want to use the summer to prepare for helping my husband and doing what I can to begin our debt reduction. (Thank you Total Money Makeover and Dave Ramsey.)
I also have a daughter beginning college in the fall while still living at home. My oldest homeschooler will be a senior, which means SATs and possible GED preparation. They will keep me busy. I want to use the summer to spend with my daughters before they grow up and move away. Lets be honest, at nearly 17 and 19, they won't live here forever. I want to enjoy the time I have with them, despite their active social lives, church activities, and work schedules.
I am getting psyched about next year though. I learned a lot this year about teaching. I explored a lot of different styles. I learned a lot about Laura and how she learns best. I am hoping to use that information in the following year.
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