School

This will be my first year to really give home school a try. Last year I did teach Skyla to read but other wise she had the freedom to play everyday. A combination of believing in not rushing the learning process and having a new baby left our days pretty unstructured and open for whatever the day brought.

This year August and Skyla will take art, music, and drama classes on Mondays through a program for home school students. Also, Skyla will go on Thursdays for academic classes. We are also given assignments from the teachers to complete on the days that she is home. I think this will be a nice mix of school and home for us.

It has been really great to see Skyla approach her time away from home this year with such confidence and enthusiasm. Definitely a big change from last year. It has also been interesting to watch August walk on in her class room. Her art teacher tells me she is very social with the other kids and has become "best friends" with one of the girls in her class.

I am finding that my idea of home school is different from my reality. Right now I have days where I am so frustrated and I question whether or not I am making the right choice. I also have days where I really enjoy that we are home schooling and I feel confident about my decision. So... my plan is to try to hold on to the positive days and let this year take us where it will. I do know without any question that I am so grateful for the days that I have seen my children spend together instead of away from each other. I am grateful for the time I have had to get to know them and work on strengthening our relationship.

I will admit that I am already worrying about what decision to make for their next school year. If they are away from home, I hope this year will help us all feel more prepared and self confident. Also, with this year to make our own rules and spend most of our time how we would like. I like to think that I am extending their childhood a little bit longer giving them more time to rest and play and explore.