First Day of School 2010

Today was our first official day of school.  Megan is doing some preschool work.  Laura is in the fifth grade.  Tasha is a senior in high school.  So far, the day has ran smooth with little bumps in the road.  Using a schedule makes a HUGE difference in how my day is going... at least so far.  My oldest just ran downstairs a few moments ago to tell me that her friend is in labor a month early and we might have to take off to the hospital.

I took pictures first thing this morning before we truly began our day.  Laura seemed eager to get started.  I think she wants to get back to a routine as much as I do.

This was the first year I took "School" pictures of Megan.  It seemed odd to take pictures of my baby.  However, she isn't a baby anymore. She is three, and working here and there through out the day of preschool stuff.  We've read together, colored, gone through the alphabet.  She seems to really be enjoying the opportunity to do school like her big sisters.

One of my favorite things I added into the schedule that was recommended by the book Managers of Their Schools and Managers of Their Homes was scheduled time for Laura and Megan to be together.  While I haven't scheduled any play time until later in the day, I do have reading time where Laura will read a story to Megan every day.  It's wonderful.  Megan was excited when she found out that Laura was going to read to her.

Tasha isn't doing a lot today.  She has a meeting with the lady that is in charge of her homeschooling.  Other than that, she's been getting some stuff ready for the upcoming year.  She upstairs with her sister.  They are rearranging things for the both of them to do their school work.  Her sister starts college classes next week.  For the first semester the classes are online, so they will have lots of time to work on school in our home.  Even with separate classes, they will have lots to do.

With four kids learning at home, it has become apparent that keeping a schedule and doing my best to keep things organized is important.  This has never been my strong area.  I have spent a lot of time planning and praying for guidance.  So far, we are on track.