Back when my children were just day dreams & prayers, I knew that I was called to homeschool them. The moment I discovered our firstborn was growing within me, I ordered countless magazines full of curriculum. When our house was built, I imagined the layout & design of my future schoolroom...now 4 years later those dreams have become reality. A couple of weeks ago, Goldilocks & I wrapped up our very first semester of school...albeit it's merely preschool, but it's school nonetheless! As we get back into the swing of things, I wanted to take some time to contemplate the year thus far...to reflect on what's working...and what is not.
I knew going into this venture that I had a rather Pie-In-The-Sky expectation so I did my best to prepare for the moment when the wind left my sails...but the truth is that didn't happen. We have had some rough days...rough days...days when lessons were taught at a shout because Belles 'N Whistles was wailing...days when 1 hour worth of work took 3. There were moments when all of us were reduced to tears...moments when counting to 10 was more about regaining composure than the act of learning. Oh yes, there were some rough days, but honestly rough though they were, I wouldn't trade them. Those days kept me humble, & those daydream emended me of why we were doing this homeschool thing...my girls need ME. The vast majority of the days spent in our little schoolroom were filled to the brim with blessings. I never ceased to be amazed that regardless of how rough our rough days were they always seems to end on a good note. Whether on the brink of tear or tantrum, we always ended our school day with prayers of thanksgiving, & I can honestly say that by the time we put the books away the foul mood had usually faded away. I do not want to paint a false portrait of this lifestyle...it is most certainly not without its challenges, but truly the rewards far outweigh & overshadow any obstacle that we've encountered. As with every other aspect of life there are moments of extreme polarity that have you wanting to rip your hair out one minute & then crying tears of joy the next. For my own benefit I want to honestly evaluate the successes & shortcomings, the challenges, & the changes that need to be made to improve our experience.
Successes:
*Academically:
1. At mid year, Goldilocks has already met the anticipated benchmarks for the entire year.
2. I have begun incorporating kindergarten level skills.
3. I LOVE our Memoria Press curriculum...no bells & whistles, no fluff....good, worth while, & meaty material!
*Spiritually:
1. By beginning & ending the days with prayer, Goldilocks is developing an understanding of prayer as communication with Abba.
2. Our 'Virtue of the Week' defines characteristics of Jesus & challenges us to emulate them. Goldilocks is gleaning much from this time...and I am constantly convicted by how inadequate I am.
3. Our education is focused not in intellectual development but discipleship...I feel like that is vital with the world we live in.
*Personally:
1. This truly has ben the dream of my life...despite my shortcomings, I am having the opportunity to live my dream.
2. I've watched our familial bond deepen and grow as we've begun maneuvering through this lifestyle
3. I've been reminded how much I truly love to teach, & to put that 40k college education to use!
Shortcomings:
*Academically:
1. Goldilocks loves to learn new things, but I've been surprised by her lack of desire to 'practice' previously content.
2. I need to find the balance between learning a lot & learning a little excellently.
3. When Goldilocks is unmotivated, I get frustrated...I need her lack of motivation to inspire me to try new tactics.
*Spiritually:
1. I've struggled to maintain my personal quiet time...it needs to be a top priority but often falls to the wayside.
2. My ladies ask tough questions, & I've been disappointed in my preparedness to answer them! I need to draw near to Him so that I am ready to find the answers to those questions.
3. Daily need to remind myself that it's not so much what I say as what I do...I can teach my daughter to be disciples all I want, but the best chance for that to occur is by being one myself!
*Personally:
1. Goldilocks' effort, motivation, & focus are directly hinged to mine...if I'm off then so is she...and I'm off more than I'd like to be.
2. I've struggled with viewing Sweet 'N Sassy's & Belles 'N Whistles interest & involvement as an interference rather than an opportunity.
3. My OCD & preoccupation with order often distract me & make me a cranky momma.
Challenges:
1. Occupying & involving my little ladies
2. Prioritizing our school day
3. Maintaining my personal effort, focus, & motivation
4. Not becoming lax in routine or schedule
5. Not getting caught up in trying to be Super Woman.
Changes:
1. I am going to make it a point to intentionally engage the littles in the learning.
2. Our days flow best when we stick to the schedule & routine...our roughest days occurred on those in which we deviated.
3. Move to a year round school year (6weeks on, 1 week off) at the end of this current one.
4. Work on making our shortcomings into successes by my year end review.
5. Savor each & every day of my incredibly blessed life!
In 16 weeks I've gone from day dreams to contemplations...we've come a long way & have a long way to go! want to end my mid year reflection with a reminder to myself of my true agenda....Be a disciple of Jesus & make disciples of Him...I cannot do the later if I have neglected the former. If at the end of my life all that I have accomplished is raise 3 girls who serve The Lord then that is enough for me!
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