School Days

This year the kids and I have embarked on our homeschooling journey. Since Brandon is still just 4, I opted out of doing anything super formal and chose to keep this year laid back, fun, and low stress. My goal this year was to teach him the basics academically (letters, numbers, etc.), work out some kinks and identify areas that I may need to work at for next year (making the switch from "mom" to "teacher," figuring out how B learns best, etc), and focus on character and heart issues. We don't do school every day, and we don't linger overly long on each subject, but we're getting our feet wet with the whole process. :-)

It has been SO much fun to invest this time and watch the kids learn. While we've had some days that have completely flopped ;-), Ellie has picked up far more than I ever imagined she would, and B is soaking up information like a sponge. It's amazing how capable their little minds are, even at this young age.



One of my favorite parts of the day is reading with the kids. Since B is learning to read, we normally start with his reading workbook, then move on to reading whatever book or novel we are currently working through.We just finished the first book in the Narnia series, and the kids were enthralled with the story. I have to admit, I kinda got into it, too. :-)



Normally, I try to do the bulk of our "schooltime" in the morning when Ethan is napping. Today that just didn't work out, but instead of being a distraction, much to my delight, he joined in! He had a blast eating ...I mean...coloring his first picture with crayons, and he sat at the table with the kids looking like such a big boy. :-) I couldn't help but smile watching all three of them sitting together doing "school" together and imagining many more days like this in our future.



Teaching the kids is also teaching me. I've learned that I have a ways to go in the "patience category." I've learned that the English language can be incredibly confusing. I've learned that jellyfish are  95% water! I've learned that sometimes the best way to learn is to just go find the actual answers to some of those crazy questions the kids ask (thank goodness for Google!!) I've learned that my kids are incredibly different in what motivates them and how they process information. I've learned that my attitude sets the tone for the entire day. I've learned that they are learning even when I don't realize I am teaching.

Yep, I think I just might be learning every bit as much as they are! And it's only the beginning... :-)