Gearing Up

To the left is a picture of the kids and me at Seneca Lake in NY. I made them pose Thai style (doing something silly).

We're back in FL and after spending a couple hours on Wednesday organizing and getting things put away with my fabulous sister-in-law, Nancy, I felt much more ready to organize and figure out scheduling and such for homeschooling.

There is much I'd like to do this year and I start each year with high expectations...which I am trying hard NOT to hold myself to. (I know that sounds bad but when I do I end up being a bad, bad mommy and then no one is happy and no one is happily learning!

So, here it goes...the list of "subjects" we are going to try hard to cover in the next 180 days (starting Monday). I just want to say that when I get to the hard days I'm just pleased to get through reading, writing and math!

*Scripture Memory and catechism

*Math U See Beta Book

*Writing with Ease

*LOGOS grammar

*Reading, reading, reading books of all kinds!

*The Story of the World (Midieval Times)

*Apologia Astronomy

*Thai language study

*Art

*Music

Yes, I am adding Thai language study this year. I am really excited about it and I think PJ is open to it as well. Last year when we returned he wanted nothing to do with speaking Thai. Over the course of the year, however, he has grown to enjoy learning more Thai words and things we speak. I think part of the reason he didn't want to speak is because he didn't want to stand out from all the other Americans, who obviously don't speak Thai! Often when a TCK (third culture kid) comes back to their "home" culture they feel like they don't fit and so do or don't do things that will make them stand out even more. Speaking Thai would definitely fit into that category!

Paul will be teaching PJ Astronomy this year. I am excited for them about the time they will have together doing that.

I still have to figure out how it's all going to work. I think often it's a day by day routine rather than schedule that is helpful. I was recently reminded to spend time early with my smaller ones and then begin schooling PJ. That way everyone's emotional tanks are full and hopefully once "school" starts they will be happily playing or doing "school" work too!

Calvin, as you may recall, is four. I am not pushing anything on him as far as school goes. We will continue to work on letters and writing and counting and numbers, but I am not going to force him into it, even though he is willing. I learned from PJ that it would have been best not to rush the whole schooling thing...they'll get it eventually, but MY eagerness (and expectations) got in the way. Those are hard lessons learned...and ones I pray I won't repeat with Calvin and Adele.

SO, that's where we're at. You can pray for me as we begin this year. We do have a few things to finish up from "last" year...a few math lessons and some history. God is good and He is faithful, praise Him for that! =)