A Look At The Year

I have not updated this blog in nearly the entire school year. I guess it just seemed like it wasn't necessary since the girls were in public school this year. So I thought I'd just share a few thoughts.

School has been good for the girls - mostly. I have heard them comment from time to time that they miss home schooling, but they also comment about how much they enjoy public school too. I think it's good that they see there is value in both - not every situation or every location is perfect for any one decision. It's a personal thing.

But, I have to admit I've been very happy with the "let's work with your child" and "skipping grades is the last thing on our minds" mentality of this school they are in. Though there are two times (that I'm aware of) that Beth ever mentioned being bored, the teachers were already prepared with something a little more or a little more challenging for her. Instead of singling her out and making her be all by herself, they had to participate with the class - but when she'd finish early, they would have "extra" for her to do that would challenge her a little more. They were aware of her advanced status going into kindergarten and therefore prepared for the challenges that go along with that. Beth has been able to make some progress while staying with her peers.

Yes, I realize that she would have progressed academically further being home schooled, but that's not the only thing in life. She continued to learn outside of school and we'll be doing some things this summer too - my girls both still love to learn!

Gabi has done well too. She's stayed top of her class and progressed. She's at a high enough grade level that she is separated out with the other kids in her grade and up for reading. Math will be the next thing they separate for. In the meantime, Gabi's had the opportunity to really perfect some of those math skills - and has since decided she really does like math after all. (Thank goodness for that because she wants to be some sort of scientist when she grows up).

Here are home we've slowed way down. I guess that's normal since we're having another baby (number five - due in about 6 weeks). Fortunately this pregnancy has not been too hard (compared to my others). I've noticed, though, that my focus on organized education has not been quite there. That being said, there were basics that we did focus on in a very non-structured way with Jeremy. His math skills are rather advanced - but he seems to pick up numbers easily and the girls were teaching him stuff as they came home from school. Mostly, though, we've worked on reading and writing. He does read, and he can sound out most words. His confidence in reading has increased a fair amount (which was his biggest stumbling block) - and when encouraged, will sound words out instead of leaning upon us to just tell him the "big words". Being left handed (him, not me) I wanted to be certain he was writing his letters already. He can write them all - and often is neater at it than his kindergarten sister (she's at the stage where she can't seem to be bothered to take the time to keep things neat). So, over all, he's ready for kindergarten this fall.

And Peter - well, his hand-eye coordination is really good! He's learned to use the potty. He's preparing to be a big brother. He knows all his letters and sounds and can spell a few smaller words - and recognizes them too (not really sure that he's reading any of them). He's excited to go camping (which he'll do with Bob and Jeremy in June) where I'm sure he'll learn about neat things in nature. He's also very excited to be going fishing for the first time this Saturday.

So though we'll be continuing with public school, the education does not and will not stop there. With baby arriving in July, there will not likely be much structure to our learning this summer - but really, what better way to learn than in the moment as things arise?